As the men in green grabbed wickets against Zimbabwe, in the September 2011 tour, in the first ODI, as the boys celebrated each wicket, something was missing. Energy, aggression and romance had been absent. The trademark arms-aloft celebration was Missing. YES, I am talking about the ONLY AND ONLY! Boom Boom AFRIDI! , the nickname given to him by none other than Ravi Shastri, while he was commentating on an India-Pakistan ODI. He is a six addict. The urge to hit out is so instinctive that he just cannot resist, even though he knows how much trouble it will bring him. The Wild Energy and aggression was brought back into the team on 18th October when Shahid Khan Afridi Withdrew his Conditional Retirement. Afridi’s presence on the team adds much needed aggression and also provides the cushion of an extra bowling option. Actually, he is a frontline bowler and a wicket-taker – if he bats this sensibly all the time, Pakistan could benefit greatly. But, then he would not be the mercurial, crowd pleasing cricketer he is.
Shahid Afridi made his first impact on international cricket with the willow instead. Smashing a century off only 37 deliveries in his very first innings not only made him enter the record books but also elevated him to the status of a super star – overnight. While his mighty hitting has sent chills down the spines of bowlers around the world, and his controversies have been the talk of the town, Afridi has rather quietly established himself as the most prolific leg-spinner. His ability to economically get through the middle overs has been integral to our success over the years, and his knack of breaking partnerships and getting wickets at critical junctures has led Pakistan to glory at various instances.
Never bother looking at the umpire’s finger when Shahid Afridi takes a wicket, just watch the man himself. A diligent team becomes dynamic when Afridi is roused and booming. When Afridi strikes the pose and the crowd roars its approval, any neutral venue would become a home away from home.
Shahid Afridi is cricket’s romantic hero, a Pathan who drags enormous attraction from the fans either Pakistani or non-Pakistani, who loves to watch the cricket played with wild energy. The recently concluded World Cup in the quarterfinal clash against the West Indies, the Mirpur stands were filled with fans who weren’t Pakistani fans but they were there only to have a glimpse of Shahid Afridi. The fans, majority females, shouted, chanted and sweated whenever they noticed Afridi.And even after being married, Shahid Afridi is the ladies number one choice. The opposition batsmen might not enjoy his bowling or the bowlers might not relish his wild batting but his silky hair, his Charming smile, his raising of the index fingers towards the skies drives the girls crazy.
Afridi is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve and his heart beats only for Pakistan. Should Afridi be given the captaincy again is a question for another time – for now, I am just happy to see him wearing the green shirt.
GeoSuper