Asia Cup: No bowler from this group can replace Shaheen Shah Afridi, says Pakistan's Mohammed Rizwan
India Today
Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammed Rizwan has claimed that none of the current bowlers can replace Shaheen Shah Afridi. The left-arm pacer is currently recovering from an injury he sustained during the tour of Sri Lanka.
Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammed Rizwan has delivered an honest verdict by saying that no one from the current group of bowlers can replace Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The left-arm pacer was ruled out of the ongoing tournament after sustaining an injury during the tour of Sri Lanka. The 22-year-old has been sent to London to step up his rehabilitation process.
Speaking after Pakistan's win over Hong Kong on Friday, as quoted by Hindustan Times, Rizwan said that none of the bowlers from the current squad can replace Afridi.
“I've talked to the bowlers before. I will be very honest here, no bowler from this group can replace Shaheen. This is my honest answer,” Rizwan said in the post-match press conference.
Rizwan went on to say that it will not be easy for any bowler to come in and fill the shoes of the 22-year-old given how he has performed in international cricket over the past few years. However, the Pakistan wicketkeeper claimed that the Asia Cup would be a good opportunity for the team to find another bowler of the same mould. He also praised the performances of Naseem Shah and Shahnawaz Dahani.
“The way he (Shaheen) has performed in the past 1-2 years, no bowler can come into the side and fill his shoes. But, we can get another Shaheen and this is an opportunity for our other fast bowlers. The way Naseem and Dahani have performed.. and Haris is already a part of the side, so we are hopeful," said Rizwan.
