“Whenever we play against Australia we have a very good chat. He is a legend. The last time we chatted, I told him I watched his 2015 [World Cup] bowling spell, and that’s what I follow – bowling fuller to the batsmen.
“He’s a world-class bowler. He still says the best is Wasim Akram, but for any youngster, Mitchell Starc is now currently a role model, and he’s been the best for Australia for many years.”
Afridi will now be tasked with spearheading a Brisbane attack, along with Xavier Bartlett, deprived of the arsenal they had intended to build their BBL title charge around.
Spencer Johnson, who Starc has previously heralded as his heir apparent, will miss the entire campaign as he recovers from a back stress fracture, while Michael Neser’s maiden Test five-wicket haul at the Gabba has ensured he remains with the Ashes squad.
But Heat bowling coach and former Test quick Andy Bichel saw enough similarities in Afridi’s and Starc’s games to suggest Brisbane had the tools to overcome the loss of their two leading fast men.
“He’s that guy who can break a game open like Starcy, so he’s got those same qualities,” Bichel said.
Bichel confirmed Johnson, who has endured a torrid run of injuries in a career limited to six first-class games along with five one-day internationals and eight T20I, was coming along strongly in his recovery.
He said the sight of Starc achieving peak form deep into his career should give the 29-year-old hope a fruitful international tenure beckoned.
“It was probably a risk to be in the Big Bash, we would all love him to take that risk, but I think there’s bigger fish to fry for Spencer,” Bichel said.
“He’s such a quality bowler, he’s world-class and monitored around the world when he’s fit, so the important thing is to get him back to full fitness.
“I suppose he wants to be bowling right now, and the fact everything’s happening in Australia, but I think he’ll come back bigger and better than he’s been and fill those boots of Starc’s.”
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