Shaheen Afridi Eyes Champions Trophy Glory – A Chance to Make History on Home Soil

Pakistan’s Fast Bowling Star Aims for Redemption in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, is ready to make history as he gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – the first ICC event hosted by Pakistan since 1996. With the cricketing world’s eyes fixed on this prestigious tournament, Afridi sees this as a golden opportunity to leave an unforgettable mark. After a turbulent couple of years, he believes his form is peaking at just the right time, setting the stage for an iconic performance in front of his home crowd.

A Journey Marked by Challenges & Determination

Afridi’s journey to this moment has been anything but smooth. Since bursting onto the international scene in 2018, he has experienced staggering highs and frustrating lows. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and the burden of leadership have all shaped his career in recent years. However, as Pakistan prepares for a historic Champions Trophy campaign on home soil, the 24-year-old pacer is focused on regaining his best form and leading the charge for his country’s title defense.

With six older brothers, Afridi grew up in a competitive environment. His eldest brother, Riaz Afridi, who himself played international cricket for Pakistan, was instrumental in shaping Shaheen’s mindset. “You’re still not a true cricketer until you play Test cricket,” Riaz had once told him, setting a high bar for his younger sibling. Those words have stayed with Afridi, fueling his desire to excel in all formats.

A New Beginning in the Champions Trophy

Pakistan’s last major ICC tournament was the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, where their campaign ended in disappointment. The Champions Trophy now offers a fresh start, with home conditions providing an added advantage. Afridi, aware of the pressure and expectations, is embracing the challenge head-on.

“We always play these events away. When we played in India, the crowd created an atmosphere unlike anything else. Now, it’s our turn to experience that at home. The fans will be behind us, and that support can make all the difference,” Afridi said.

Pakistan’s last Champions Trophy triumph in 2017 remains one of the country’s greatest cricketing moments, with Fakhar Zaman’s century and a fiery bowling attack dismantling India in the final. Now, Afridi and his teammates have the chance to replicate that success—but this time, in front of their own people.

Pakistan’s Recent Resurgence in ODIs

Pakistan endured a challenging 2024 across all formats. The Test team struggled, finishing bottom of the World Test Championship standings, while their T20 World Cup campaign ended prematurely after losses to USA and India. However, the ODI team found its rhythm, clinching a 2-1 series victory against Australia and a 3-0 clean sweep over South Africa towards the end of the year.

These performances were largely driven by Pakistan’s fast bowlers, with Afridi leading from the front. Against Australia and South Africa, Pakistan took 54 out of a possible 60 wickets, showcasing the dominance of their bowling attack.

Key stats from those series:
Most wickets – Shaheen Afridi
Best strike rate – Shaheen Afridi
Lowest bowling average – Shaheen Afridi

“Our ODI team hasn’t changed much. The bowling attack is in great form, and I hope that continues in the Champions Trophy,” Afridi added, exuding confidence in Pakistan’s pace unit.

Shaheen Afridi’s Strategy – A Master of Adaptation

While Afridi’s early career was built around sheer pace and swing, he has evolved into a more tactical bowler, adapting to different match situations.

???? "In ODIs, you need to hit the same length consistently, but variation is key at the death. You have to think like a T20 bowler in the last overs," he explained.

Over time, Afridi has also perfected his around-the-wicket angle against right-handers, bringing the stumps into play and forcing mistakes. This adaptability makes him a crucial weapon for Pakistan in their title defense.

Challenges & Expectations – Can Afridi Deliver?

Despite his match-winning abilities, Afridi has faced criticism regarding his bowling speeds, which many believe have dropped since his injury in 2022. Some analysts speculate that he is hesitant to put full pressure on his knee, while Afridi himself believes that his bowling rhythm is returning.

???? "People talk about my speeds, but if you look at my career, I’ve always started my spells around 135-137 km/h. I don’t feel my pace has dropped in a way that affects my wicket-taking ability," he asserted.

With Pakistan’s fast-bowling attack in top shape, Afridi remains key to their Champions Trophy hopes. If he finds his peak form, Pakistan will be serious contenders for the title.

Shaheen Afridi’s Final Thoughts

Despite the pressures of being one of Pakistan’s most recognizable cricketers, Afridi remains focused on the present and his immediate goals.

"There are always ups and downs in a fast bowler’s career. But right now, I feel fit, I’m in rhythm, and I’m ready for the Champions Trophy. Our fast bowlers are in great shape, and I believe we can do something special," he concluded.

As Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign kicks off, Afridi stands at the forefront of their title defense. If all goes to plan, he could etch his name in history as the bowler who led Pakistan to another ICC triumph – this time, on home soil.