Hafeez Advised Shaheen Shah: Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez has advised the star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi to think about his workload and manage it properly.
Hafeez Advised Shaheen Shah
Back in January-February, Hafeez played under Afridi for the Lahore Qalandars in the 2022 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Before the start of the tournament, the Qalandars named Afridi as their captain after replacing Sohail Akhtar, who led the franchise for a couple of seasons. Hafeez, who retired from international cricket back in January, said that Afridi has the mental tenacity to thrive under pressure.
“Obviously, winning and (being) champion of that league is something special and good start for him (as a leader),” Hafeez told reporters in Dhaka on Tuesday where he arrived to play for Mohammedan Sporting Club in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League.
Afridi, though, has been playing for Pakistan across formats, and represented his country in 36 internationals last year. Afridi also plays in the PSL and is scheduled to represent the English county, Middlesex next season. So there are concerns about the pace bowler’s workload.
”I still believe he has to think about a little bit more about his fitness and has to think about the load he is putting on his body because he is playing each and every game. And he thinks about this too, because he should not play each and every game, and obviously the leagues and counties, because it can break him up. I wish him all the best,” he said.
Hafeez retired from international cricket this year. The all-rounder, who played a key role in Qalandars’ memorable win in the PSL final, noted that he hasn’t thought much about his future plans or moving into a coaching role.
”To be honest, I am giving myself little bit of time to think about what way I can add more value. I am not the one who just rushes to anything. I will try to follow the process. If I can do anything in future in any role to serve my country, I will definitely opt (for it).
”I really have no idea which way I will go (coaching role), but as I said I will think about it. At the moment, I am enjoying my cricket and giving my time to my family members and let’s see whatever way I can add value, because I am not a job seeker and I never wanted to be a job seeker.”
