Former cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar removed Pakistan left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi as a potential threat to the Indian batters before the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. However, the India-Pakistan match is set to be played in New York on June 9. However, despite being named among the best white-ball bowlers in the world, Afridi has struggled against India recently.

He conceded more than 7 runs per over in his last two games against India in ODI as well. Afridi has claimed three wickets in his T20I meetings against India in the 2021 and 2022 World Cup as well. Manjrekar also said that Pakistan’s other left-arm pacer, Mohammed Amir, would not pose much of a threat as well.

He said on Star Sports’ Press Room World Cup edition: “Mohammed Amir played his last international T20 seven years back. We have no idea what his form is like today. Shaheen Afridi is not the same bowler that he was two years back. India have handled him really well, if you remember the Asia Cup, even in the 50-overs World Cup, we had a one-sided match. I do not see Pakistan as a major threat to India, plus the names of Mohammed Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi, I do not think is a problem for India.”

However, Amir returned to the national side after a long time in the home series against New Zealand. Despite last playing against India in T20Is in 2016, the veteran boasts an impressive record with four wickets at an average of 7.25 in two matches as well. Sanjay Manjrekar also felt Team India’s performances at ICC events will only be seen by their semi-final and final, rather than the league stage.

“I see India up and running very quickly. But I am just going to watch this Indian team in the matches that matter – semis and the finals. For India, World Cups are not anymore about getting into the final round. It’s about what you do in the final rounds,” concluded Sanjay Manjrekar.