Former Cricket Star Basit Ali Favors Shaheen Afridi Over Naseem Shah Despite Fitness Issues

Ex-cricketer Basit Ali believes Shaheen Afridi surpasses Naseem Shah as a pacer, despite the latter's current fitness edge. Both have faced challenges in regaining form post-injury, impacting their performances in recent tournaments.

Ex-Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has rated Shaheen Shah Afridi higher than the younger Naseem Shah, despite both bowlers struggling to return to form post-injury.

Basit acknowledged Naseem's superior fitness at present, but maintained that Shaheen is a better pacer. 'Naseem has better fitness, and Shaheen is currently struggling with it. But Shaheen is better than Naseem,' Basit expressed on his YouTube channel.

Naseem's injury during last year's Asia Cup against Bangladesh sidelined him for months, leading to his absence from the ODI World Cup 2023. Although he starred against India in the T20 World Cup, his overall performance was below par.

Shaheen Afridi, appointed as Pakistan's T20I captain last year, also faced a turbulent journey. After a dismal debut series loss to New Zealand, Shaheen's captaincy stint was cut short as Babar Azam was reinstated. Shaheen's T20 World Cup campaign saw him taking five wickets in four games, a performance mirrored by Naseem in Pakistan's Test series loss to Bangladesh.

Together, Naseem and Shaheen managed only five wickets in Pakistan's historic Test series defeat against Bangladesh, highlighting their ongoing struggles. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)