Shaheen Afridi is aiming for the prize in the upcoming edition of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The fast bowling sensation who is also leading Lahore Qalandars in the 7th edition of the PSL is confident that his team will turn the tables this time around. The young gun assured the Qalandar fans that the team will not let them down in PSL 7.
Talking to journalists in an online press conference, Shaheen said that the team has been preparing well and he is hopeful for good results.
“We are preparing for the upcoming PSL. The camp went well and we have played 3-4 matches during this time. You will see Lahore Qalandars in a different mood during this edition,” he said.
Shaheen when asked about Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings rivalry said: “It has always been a high-intensity match. The match has a lot of hype around it, it also benefits the players because we enjoy playing such encounters.”
Shaheen was full of praises for Babar Azam and said that he wishes to play under his captaincy for the next 10-15 years.
“Babar is my mate, my captain, and my favourite player and I wish to play under him for a long time,” Shaheen added.
On facing Babar he said, “Whenever you face the world’s best you have to bowl a magic bowl to get them, so I will try my best to get him out early.”
Shaheen felt calm about the extra duties of being a captain. He said that he is not feeling any extra pressure and will try to bowl as good as he can and become a role model for his team.
“Being a professional I am ready and will try to take this experience to the international arena. I will focus more on my bowling,” Qalandar’s skipper said.
He added that Shahid Afridi advised him not to take the extra duties of being captain as his concern was that Shaheen’s bowling should not be compromised.
“I will try my best to work even harder on my bowling and not let the pressure get to me,” Shaheen added.
Shaheen seemed to be very confident of the Qalandars’ bowling attack and he is looking forward to playing together with the likes of Rashid Khan and Harris Rauf.
“Qalandars have a strong bowling unit and as a captain, I am hopeful that we will come good during the event.”
When asked if he sees himself leading the international team, he said: “I wish that Babar should lead the side for the foreseeable future and I don’t think that the team needs anyone else apart from Babar.”
“I wish and pray that Babar leads the side for the next 15 years. But if there comes an opportunity to lead Pakistan, it will be a proud moment for me.”
“We met Prime Minister Imran Khan recently and received a lot of encouragement from him,” Shaheen added.
He continued by saying PM Khan had informed him that fast bowlers make good leaders.
“Let’s see how it goes with me,” he remarked.
