Former captain questions Shaheen Afridi’s hype following a disappointing game vs India

Originally posted on Crictoday | By V.M.Suriya Narayanan | Last updated Sep 22, 2025 6:04 AM ET

Shaheen Afridi faced significant criticism after a disappointing bowling performance in Pakistan’s Asia Cup Super 4 match against India on Sunday, 22 September. Former Gujarat captain Priyank Panchal raised doubts about whether Afridi lived up to the hype, pointing out his lack of pace, zip, and consistency.

Afridi leaked 40 runs in just 3.5 overs during the tense match, a performance that quickly attracted harsh criticism on social media.“I’ll always fail to understand the hype around Shaheen Afridi. Classic case of a few good deliveries years ago lengthening someone’s faltering career. No zip, no pace, no discipline. I’ve seen first-class bowlers deliver better spells with more consistency,” Panchal wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

I’ll always fail to understand the hype around Shaheen Afridi. Classic case of a few good deliveries years ago lengthening someone’s faltering career. No zip, no pace, no discipline. I’ve seen first-class bowlers deliver better spells with more consistency. #INDvPAK
— Priyank Panchal (@PKpanchal09) September 21, 2025

The match was held in Dubai, a venue where Afridi had previously troubled key Indian batters like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul during Pakistan’s memorable 2021 victory. However, since then, Afridi’s form has noticeably declined. His pace has become inconsistent, and the swing that once made him a dangerous bowler seems to have faded.

Afridi’s game against India began poorly as Abhishek Sharma launched a six off his first delivery, setting the stage for India’s strong performance. Sharma’s explosive 74 from 39 balls, featuring six fours and five sixes, was pivotal in India’s pursuit of a challenging target, leading them to a six-wicket win. His blend of power and timing put Pakistan’s bowlers on the back foot throughout the game.

The match saw tense moments, including a heated exchange between Afridi and Shubman Gill after conceding boundaries. While Pakistani players initiated most of the conflicts, India responded with composure.

Afridi’s performance contrasted with India’s bowlers, who handled pressure well. His lack of control led critics like Panchal to question whether Afridi is still the feared pacer he once was. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma and India’s batters ensured a comfortable win, highlighting the form gap between the teams.

This article first appeared on Crictoday and was syndicated with permission.

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