Karachi, Pakistan – Web Desk: Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has revealed that deliberately leaving fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi out of his playing XI motivated the young pacer to deliver a standout performance.
Speaking on a private TV channel, Afridi said, “I knew Shaheen’s mindset well. By dropping him from the team, I sparked his anger, and that’s when he performed brilliantly.”
He explained that sometimes players’ egos need to be challenged to bring out their best. “Everyone was suggesting including him, but I wanted him to show his fighting spirit. He responded exactly as expected,” Afridi added.
Afridi also mentioned he had forewarned his daughter about leaving Shaheen out, saying, “Watch the match; whatever game he gets, he won’t let it go easily.”
The former all-rounder emphasized that he has always understood Shaheen’s temperament and knew how to get the best out of him, even playing mind games to inspire peak performance.
Afridi’s comments highlight the psychological strategies leaders sometimes employ to motivate players in high-pressure cricket tournaments.
