Shaheen Afridi Draws Inspiration from Mitchell Starc's Bowling Prowess

Pakistan's fast bowler Shaheen Afridi credits Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for shaping his bowling style, calling him a major influence. Starc's standout performances, particularly during the 2015 World Cup, have inspired Afridi to emulate his techniques, acknowledging Starc as an inspiration for aspiring bowlers worldwide.

Pakistan's young speedster, Shaheen Afridi, has opened up about the profound influence Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has had on his career, citing him as a pivotal inspiration in refining his bowling techniques. Known for his devastating left-arm pace, Starc has been a fixture in international cricket since 2010, recently surpassing Pakistan's own Wasim Akram for the most Test wickets taken by a left-arm bowler.

Though Afridi acknowledges he still has a way to go to match the achievements of seasoned left-arm quicks, he expressed that Starc and other senior bowlers have significantly impacted his development. Reflecting on Starc's stellar 2015 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup performance on home turf, where he emerged as the joint-leading wicket-taker, Afridi recalls how it served as a crucial learning experience during his early career.

"Watching 'Starcy' dominate that tournament while I was part of the Under-16 Pakistan team taught me the importance of swinging the ball effectively," Afridi commented, referencing Starc's strategy of delivering fuller balls for success. Afridi regularly engages with Starc during international meet-ups, recognizing him as a role model for young pacers globally and praising his consistent excellence for Australia.

(With inputs from agencies.)