Lahore Qalandars’ left-arm spinner Asif Afridi has set his sights on achieving a distinct milestone in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10, aiming for the most dot balls bowled and the fewest boundaries conceded in the tournament.
In an exclusive interview with Geo News, the 38-year-old left-arm spinner revealed his determination to stand out with his disciplined bowling. “My goal is to bowl the highest number of dot balls in the tournament while also conceding the fewest boundaries,” Afridi stated.
Afridi acknowledged that he is still managing pain from an eye injury but emphasized that his focus completely shifts to the game once he steps onto the field. “I do feel discomfort, especially while running, but when the match begins, I forget everything and just concentrate on my performance,” he said.
“Passion and love for the game make this pain insignificant. Once the match starts, my mind is solely on cricket.”
The veteran spinner recognized the increasing challenge for bowlers in modern T20 cricket, where aggressive batting often dominates. “In today’s cricket, bowlers face immense pressure. Instead of planning for the entire match, I plan ball by ball,” Afridi explained.
“Focusing on each delivery individually helps me stay effective. My strategy is to maximize dot balls and minimize scoring opportunities.”
Discussing Lahore Qalandars’ campaign, Afridi expressed optimism following their recent victory, stating that the team has gained momentum. “We will give Karachi Kings a tough time and aim to win the upcoming match,” he said regarding his side’s next PSL encounter against Karachi in Karachi on Tuesday.
He also lauded the team environment, describing it as a closely-knit unit. “The team is like a family, everyone gets along well, and the atmosphere is fantastic.”
Addressing concerns about his age, Afridi dismissed the notion that it impacts performance. “Age only becomes a problem if a player isn’t putting in effort. As long as I’m giving my 100% on the field, my age doesn’t matter,” he asserted.