Shaheen Shah Afridi is one of the most promising young fast bowlers in Pakistan. He made his Test debut in 2018 at the age of 18 and has since taken 49 wickets in 15 matches, with an average of 25.85 and a strike rate of 48.9. He is known for his height, pace, bounce, and accuracy, and has been compared to Mitchell Starc by Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur.

Shaheen’s rise to the Test level was rapid and remarkable. He started playing hard-ball cricket at the age of 15, after being encouraged by his elder brother Riaz Afridi, who played one Test for Pakistan in 2004. He impressed in the domestic circuit, taking 8 for 39 on his first-class debut for Khan Research Labs in 2017, the best figures by a debutant in Pakistan’s history. He was then picked by Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, where he took 5 for 4 against Multan Sultans, the best bowling figures in the tournament’s history.

Shaheen’s international debut came in a T20I against West Indies in 2018, making him the first player born in the 21st century to play for Pakistan. He then made his ODI debut in the Asia Cup later that year, replacing Mohammad Amir in the side. He took his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket against Sri Lanka in December 2019 and was named in Pakistan’s squad for their tour of England in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shaheen has been a consistent performer for Pakistan in Test cricket, taking at least one wicket in every innings he has bowled so far. He has also formed a potent partnership with fellow young pacer Naseem Shah, who also made his Test debut in 2019. Together, they have taken 86 wickets in 15 matches, with an average of 26.76 and a strike rate of 49.6.

Shaheen is currently preparing for Pakistan’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka next month, where he hopes to complete a century of wickets in Test cricket. He has been working on his fitness and skills with former South Africa fast bowler Morne Morkel, who has been appointed as Pakistan’s bowling coach for six months.

Shaheen Shah Afridi is undoubtedly a star in the making and has already shown glimpses of his potential at the highest level. He has a bright future ahead of him and could become one of the best fast bowlers of his generation.