Player Stats

Shaheen Shah Afridi Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Team Player

Shaheen Shah Afridi

Bowler (Fast)

Shaheen Shah Afridi is the spearhead of Pakistan’s pace attack for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Despite recently handing over the captaincy to Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen remains the most vital component of Pakistan’s bowling strategy, particularly for his ability to strike in the opening over.

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Player Profile

  • Born: April 6, 2000 (Age 25)

  • Role: Left-arm Fast Bowler

  • Bowling Style: High-velocity swing and lethal yorkers.

  • Status: Declared fully fit on January 25, 2026, after a brief injury scare during the Big Bash League.

Current Form & Fitness Update (Jan 2026)

  • The BBL Injury: Shaheen suffered a minor knee ligament injury while fielding for the Brisbane Heat in December 2025. He was recalled to the National High Performance Centre in Lahore for rehabilitation.

  • Clean Bill of Health: On January 23, 2026, PCB medical staff cleared him for selection. He has been included in the squad for the upcoming home series against Australia (starting Jan 29) to regain match rhythm before the World Cup.

  • Career Milestone: Shaheen currently sits at 126 T20I wickets, making him one of the most successful fast bowlers in the format’s history at just 25 years old.

    Role in the 2026 World Cup

    • The New-Ball Specialist: His primary job is to provide early breakthroughs in the Powerplay. His matchups against top-order batters like Rohit Sharma or Travis Head are considered “must-watch” events.

    • Death Overs: Along with Naseem Shah, he will be responsible for bowling the “clutch” overs at the end of the innings, especially since Haris Rauf has been excluded from the 15-man squad.

    • Batting Cameos: Shaheen has significantly improved his batting and is often used as a pinch-hitting option in the lower order to clear the boundaries.

    Fun Fact: Shaheen recently revealed that he consulted Australian pacer Mitchell Starc during his BBL stint to refine his wrist position for more consistent swing on subcontinental pitches.