'I was applying my full force' - Shahid Afridi draws light on the pitch-tampering incident from 2005 against England

Shahid Afridi (Image Source: Twitter)

The Pakistan cricket team fared well in the early 2000s with their threatening line-up. However, the arrival of one man defined the brand of aggressive cricket and turned things around for Pakistan. Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan skipper, made his announcement in international cricket in 19996. 

The player is known for his aggressive intent and the Pakistan cricket team needed it desperately. With his impressive tactical skills and decisions, he made it to greater heights and ended up becoming the captain of the Men in Green. Afridi is known for his aggressive intent and also for his unwanted acts on the field. 

Speaking of unwanted acts, the former skipper of the Pakistan cricket team has made it to the headlines numerous times. But one could predict that it was for his notwithstanding retirements. However, the player made it to the headlines for his ball tampering and other controversies. In 2005, Shahid Afridi hit the headlines after getting involved in a pitch-tampering incident against England in Faisalabad. 

The veteran from Pakistan has opened up on the incident to Samaa TV and also revealed the role of Shoaib Malik in it. Shahid Afridi explained the incidents that lead to the cheating act and further drew light on the Faisalabad pitch that did nothing for the spinners. 

Ball toh turn ho: Shahid Afridi

Speaking on the incident, the former skipper of Pakistan said that he wanted the ball to turn. Pakistan cricket team’s veteran further added that he tried all he can to naturally spin the ball but in vain. 

“It was a good series. That Test was in Faisalabad. Believe me, it was a Test and the ball was neither turning, nor it was getting any swing or seam. It was getting quite boring. I was applying my full force and nothing was happening. Then suddenly, a gas cylinder exploded and everyone got distracted. I told Malik, 'Mera dil chaah raha hai main idhar patch bana du. Ball toh turn ho!' (I want to create a patch on this pitch so badly. I want the ball to turn!),” Shahid Afridi said to Samaa TV. 

“Shoaib Malik replied, 'Kar de. Koi nai dekh raha' (Do it, no one is watching). So I did that! And then, what happened is history. When I look back at it, you do realise it was a mistake,” he concluded.