In a heartfelt interview, New Zealand cricketer Mark Chapman shared how he grew up idolizing Pakistani cricket legend Shahid Afridi. The 30-year-old batter recalled the excitement Afridi brought to the game, particularly his memorable performances in international tournaments.
Chapman reflected on Afridi’s crucial role in Pakistan’s 2009 ICC T20 World Cup victory, where his explosive 54 runs helped secure the championship. “Afridi’s impact on the game was immense,” Chapman noted, highlighting how Afridi inspired many young cricketers, including himself.
The Kiwi player also praised Abdul Razzaq for his batting prowess and expressed admiration for current Pakistani captain Babar Azam. “Babar is a wealth of knowledge and ranks among the best batters in the world. Learning from him is an invaluable experience,” Chapman said, emphasizing the importance of such interactions in his own development as a player.
Chapman’s reflections on these cricketing icons underline the profound influence they have on aspiring athletes around the globe.