Shaheen Afridi Credits Mitchell Starc For Bowling Success
Brisbane, December 10, 2025 — Brisbane Heat’s new signing Shaheen Afridi has revealed that Australian legend Mitchell Starc is the driving force behind his bowling success and rise to stardom.
The 25-year-old Pakistani left-arm pacer, set to make his BBL debut on Monday, opened up about how watching Starc’s masterclass during the 2015 World Cup completely transformed his approach to fast bowling and made him one of the world’s most feared bowlers.
Mitchell Starc 2015 World Cup Inspired Pakistan Pacer
“He’s a legend,” Afridi said ahead of Brisbane’s season opener against Melbourne Renegades. “When Starc played that 2015 World Cup, I was in Pakistan’s under-16 team. I watched every ball he bowled and tried to replicate the way he swung the ball with that fuller length.”
Afridi explained how Starc’s aggressive strategy of bowling fuller deliveries throughout that tournament became the foundation of his own international success.
“He bowled fuller throughout that World Cup and dominated every batting lineup. I told him directly that watching him is exactly why I bowl fuller to batsmen now. For any youngster in world cricket, Mitchell Starc is the ultimate role model.”
Starc Overtakes Wasim Akram in Ashes Bowling Dominance
Starc, 35, is currently steamrolling through the Ashes series with 18 wickets in just two Tests at a staggering average of 14.
His lethal form recently propelled him past Pakistan legend Wasim Akram on the all-time Test wicket-takers list, now standing at 420 Test wickets—six more than Akram’s 414.
Despite surpassing his idol’s numbers, Starc still regards Akram as the greatest left-arm quick ever, a sentiment Afridi shares while acknowledging Starc’s massive influence on modern fast bowling.
Shaheen Afridi Bowling Statistics in Australia Revealed
Shaheen Afridi’s Bowling Statistics in Australia Revealed
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I in Australia | 10 | 12 | 21.83 | 7.66 | 17.1 |
| T20 Internationals | 96 | 126 | 21.26 | 7.71 | 16.5 |
| Overall T20 Career | 222 | 310 | 20.99 | 7.95 | 15.8 |
The numbers prove Afridi’s quality on Australian pitches, making him an ideal fit for Brisbane Heat’s campaign.
Brisbane Heat Signs Shaheen Afridi as Spencer Johnson Replacement
Afridi’s arrival at Brisbane Heat fills the massive void left by Spencer Johnson, who’s sidelined for the entire BBL season with a back injury.
“I’m genuinely happy to be here representing Brisbane,” Afridi said. “This isn’t just any league—it’s one of the best T20 competitions in the world. I love bowling at the Gabba because the bounce and pace suit my style perfectly.”
Heat star Nathan McSweeney couldn’t hide his excitement about playing alongside the Pakistani speedster.
“Having Shaheen replace Spencer is perfect. Watching him bowl to opposition batters at the Gabba will be incredible. He brings world-class quality that can win us matches,” McSweeney said.
Shaheen Afridi BBL Debut December 16 Against Melbourne Renegades
Brisbane Heat kicks off their BBL 2025-26 season on Monday, December 16, when they face Melbourne Renegades in Geelong.
Afridi will lead the Heat’s bowling attack and is available for the entire season including the knockout stages and finals.
With the Gabba’s bouncy surface perfectly suited to his tall frame and aggressive bowling style, Afridi is set to make an immediate impact in Australia’s premier T20 league.
Q1. Why does Shaheen Afridi credit Mitchell Starc? A: Shaheen Afridi watched Mitchell Starc’s dominant 2015 World Cup performance as a teenager and adopted Starc’s fuller-length bowling strategy, which became the foundation of his international success.
Q2. When is Shaheen Afridi’s BBL debut for Brisbane Heat? A: Shaheen Afridi makes his BBL debut on Monday, December 16, 2025, when Brisbane Heat face Melbourne Renegades in Geelong.
Q3. What are Shaheen Afridi’s bowling statistics in Australia? A: Shaheen Afridi has taken 12 wickets in 10 T20 internationals in Australia at an average of 21.83 with an economy rate of 7.66, proving his effectiveness on Australian pitches.
CricketNews Editorial Team
Khelo Pakistan expert cricket journalists covering international cricket, PSL, IPL, and major tournaments. Follow us on Facebook for the latest cricket news and updates.
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