Shaheen Afridi on Pakistan quicks losing speed: ‘Machines deteriorate with time’ – Shaheen Afridi Addresses Pakistan Fast Bowlers’ Pace Decline

The Pace Problem Facing Pakistan Cricket

Pakistan has long been synonymous with raw, express pace. From the legendary eras of the past to the more recent dominance of world-class speedsters, the ability to terrorize batting lineups with velocity has been the backbone of the nation’s cricketing identity. However, a worrying trend has emerged recently: the current crop of Pakistan fast bowlers is struggling to match the speeds of their international counterparts, leading to significant scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.

This decline was perhaps most glaring during the recent Test series against Bangladesh. While the visitors consistently clocked speeds in the high-130s to mid-140s, the Pakistani attack often hovered in the mid-120s and low 130s. This lack of penetration proved costly, as the team struggled to take 20 wickets, culminating in a disappointing 0-2 series defeat.

Shaheen Afridi’s Candid Admission: ‘Machines Deteriorate’

ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has himself faced questions regarding a drop in his own bowling speeds since his 2022 knee injury, recently addressed the issue head-on. Speaking ahead of the upcoming ODI series opener, Afridi used a pragmatic analogy to describe the physical toll of international cricket. “It is a norm that machines deteriorate with time,” he stated. “We are trying to recharge ourselves.”

Afridi explained that the relentless nature of the international calendar leaves little room for the body to recover, which is vital for maintaining high-speed bowling. “You can put more pace in the ball when your body has had rest, but our bodies remain always at Pakistan’s disposal. All the bowlers are thinking about how they can increase their speeds,” he added. In response, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) is currently devising a strategic plan to manage player workloads more effectively, ensuring bowlers remain fresh and capable of hitting peak speeds when it matters most.

Comparing Standards and Managing Expectations

When asked about the high-speed performance of Bangladesh’s Nahid Rana, who impressed with his pace, Afridi urged caution in making direct comparisons. He noted that Rana is still in the early stages of his international career, whereas established bowlers have years of high-intensity cricket behind them. The captain emphasized that the focus remains on internal development and managing the current squad to regain their competitive edge.

The Strategy Behind Mohammad Rizwan’s Exclusion

Beyond the bowling concerns, the selection process for the upcoming ODI series has sparked debate, particularly regarding the omission of Mohammad Rizwan. Despite being one of Pakistan’s most consistent batters in the current cycle, averaging 42.42, Rizwan was left out of the squad as selectors look toward the next ODI World Cup, now 16 months away.

Afridi was quick to clarify that this decision is not a sign of the end for the experienced wicketkeeper-batter. “I would suggest you not to jump to conclusions,” Afridi said. He pointed to his own experiences and those of Babar Azam, who have both faced temporary absences from the side before returning to pivotal roles. “It is not as if his cricket is finished just because he has been dropped for this series. It is also important to give opportunities to youngsters ahead of the World Cup,” he explained.

By introducing uncapped players like Rohail Nazir, Arafat Minhas, and Ahmed Danyal, the management is clearly focused on broadening the player pool. The objective is to build depth and identify talent that can be nurtured over the next year and a half. As Pakistan prepares for the remaining ODIs in Lahore, the balance between maintaining a winning culture and experimenting with new talent remains the primary challenge for the leadership.

Ultimately, the hope is that through better workload management at the NCA and a strategic approach to squad selection, Pakistan will soon reclaim its status as a breeding ground for world-class, high-speed fast bowlers, reigniting the fire that has historically defined their bowling attack.