How a World Cup masterclass from Mitchell Starc inspired Brisbane Heat’s new star
Watching Mitchell Starc’s 2015 World Cup heroics was a key factor in the success of Brisbane Heat’s new left-arm star Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Brisbane Heat’s new fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has paid tribute to “role model” and fellow left-armer Mitchell Starc for providing the blueprint for his own success with the ball.
Starc, 35, has starred in the current Ashes series, having taken 18 wickets in two Tests at an average of 14.
It has taken him past the player widely acknowledged as the greatest left-armer of all-time, Pakistan great Wasim Akram, on the list of Test cricket’s top wicket-takers, with Starc now on 420, six more than Akram took during his stellar career.
Starc still regards Akram as the best left-arm quick to have played cricket, which Afridi agrees with.
However, Afridi has great admiration for Starc, saying the way New South Welshman bowled at the 2015 World Cup inspired him.
“He’s a legend,” Afridi said of Starc.
“When ‘Starcy’ played that 2015 World Cup, I was playing for the under-16 Pakistan team at that time, so … I followed him to try to bowl many times the way he swung the ball.
“He bowled a fuller ball throughout that World Cup and had very good success.
“The last time we chatted, I told him that I watched him (in 2015) … and that’s why I bowl fuller to batsmen.
“He’s a world-class bowler. For any youngster, Mitchell Starc is now currently role model.”
As is Afridi for a host of younger bowlers.
The 25-year-old Pakistani has starred in all three formats for his nation, averages 21.26 with the ball in having taken 126 wickets in 96 T20 internationals, and is relishing the prospect of playing in the BBL for the first time.
“I’m happy and it’s a pleasure to be here representing Brisbane,” he said
“It’s not a small league … and I feel that’s the best place to play your best cricket with the best players, so that’s why I’m here.”
Playing regularly on a bouncy Gabba wicket for the Heat also appeals to Afridi.
“I have played many games at the Gabba in Tests and T20s (for Pakistan). I to bowl there,” he said.
With the Heat’s other star left-armer Spencer Johnson to miss the entire BBL season with a back injury, there will be even greater responsibility on Afridi in Brisbane’s 2025-26 campaign, which starts on Monday in Geelong against the Melbourne Renegades.
“I hope I play my role for this team. That’s why I’m here,” he said.
Heat star Nathan McSweeney is thrilled at the prospect of playing alongside Afridi.
“I’m excited, not to face him in the nets, but to see him bowl to the opposition out in the middle … and at the Gabba in particular, which will suit his style of bowling,” McSweeney said.
“(Without) Spencer, there’s obviously big shoes to fill, and having Shaheen, it’s the perfect replacement.”
Originally published as How a World Cup masterclass from Mitchell Starc inspired Brisbane Heat’s new star
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