Shaheen Afridi Struggles Affect Pakistan's Pace Attack
The team's pace attack, once their biggest strength, is now a concern, with the trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf struggling to make an impact, and the team's overall performance in the Asia Cup hanging in the balance.
Pakistan's pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf struggled in the Champions Trophy 2025, conceding 214 runs in 30 overs and picking up only four wickets, raising concerns about the team's fast bowling capabilities.
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt attributes the decline in speed to a lowered benchmark in the country, where the standard for fast bowlers has been reduced from 150+ kph to 140 kph. This change in perception is in contrast to the past, when bowlers like Abdul Razzaq, Rao Iftikhar, and Rana Naveed were considered allrounders despite bowling at 145 kph. The current pace attack, although talented, has lost its bite and ability to intimidate oppositions, with Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi underperforming.
Former Indian batter Virender Sehwag believes that Pakistan's current pace attack needs 5-10 years to reach the legendary status of Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, or Shoaib Akhtar. He notes that the players need years of experience, a high number of wickets, and an improved economy rate to be considered great. Sehwag also mentions that Shaheen Afridi's form has not been the same since his return from injury, but that this is a natural process and players take time to regain rhythm.
Despite concerns from former cricketers Manjrekar and Anil Kumble about the team's overall firepower, Aaqib Javed remains confident in the trio, drawing comparisons to the 1990s troika of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and himself. Pakistan's loss to India in the Asia Cup opener has left them precariously placed, with a defeat potentially pushing them out of the tournament, and the team's pace attack will be crucial in determining their fate.
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