Eden Gardens has always been captivated by the presence of Shaheen Shah Afridi. With his long limbs, piercing blue eyes, friendly smile, and an unruffled quiff, he seemed to cast a spell on the crowd. Whenever inspiration or guidance was needed, Babar Azam sought out Afridi. His teammates reached for his advice or assistance, and fielders would call out his name when the ball ventured into the deep. Even Bangladesh’s batsmen would watch him, curious to see if he was preparing to make a move. Afridi was the one who met the gaze, the demands, and the needs of all.
On that particular evening, Afridi took on multiple roles — leader, primary bowler, talisman, old-ball specialist, new-ball virtuoso, and a beacon of hope. His exceptional bowling set the tone for the day, and his aura and leadership defined the entire match. It was a moment that showcased he was not just a natural speedster but a natural leader as well, potentially the elixir to help Pakistan navigate through challenging times. He exuded both a physical and metaphorical presence, exuding an air of calm authority. His on-field communication was concise, yet even more experienced players couldn’t help but nod in agreement. Haris Rauf, his fast-bowling partner, once highlighted the qualities that make Afridi exceptional: “He is much younger than me, but far more mature and sensible. He possesses an exceptionally sharp mind and is undoubtedly the leader of Pakistan’s bowling attack.”
Afridi is no stranger to leading teams. Under his captaincy, Lahore Qalandars not only secured their maiden PSL title but also successfully defended it. His coach at Qalandars, Aaqib Javed, has strongly advocated for Afridi to lead Pakistan’s T20 team. “The way he steers the team and his leadership style has been instrumental for Qalandars. If someone can elevate Pakistan cricket and guide it in the right direction, it’s Afridi,” he remarked in an interview with Cricket Pakistan.