LAHORE (Web Desk) – Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has defended the country’s fast-bowling unit amid growing concerns over their declining pace, insisting that a demanding international schedule and accumulated fatigue have played a significant role in reducing their speeds.
Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s three-match ODI series against Australia, which begins on May 30, Shaheen said the national team’s pacers have been carrying heavy workloads and require adequate recovery time to perform at their best.
Questions regarding the effectiveness of Pakistan’s pace attack emerged after the team’s disappointing 2-0 Test series defeat in Bangladesh earlier this month. During the World Test Championship fixtures, Pakistan’s fast bowlers, including Shaheen, struggled to generate their customary pace, with speeds largely hovering in the mid-130kph range.
Responding to criticism, Shaheen compared fast bowlers to machines that need periodic maintenance after prolonged use.
“When a machine runs continuously, it eventually requires maintenance. The same applies to fast bowlers,” he said, adding that players who remain fresh and well-rested are naturally able to bowl with greater intensity and speed.
The left-arm pacer stressed that Pakistan’s fast bowlers remain fully committed to serving the national team and are actively working to regain their sharpness.
“Our fast bowlers are always prepared to give their best for Pakistan. We are all thinking about improving our pace, and the coaches and management are helping us in that process,” he said.
In a lighter moment, Shaheen jokingly told reporters that he would attempt to bowl at 200kph if that would satisfy expectations.
Looking ahead to the ODI series against Australia, the Pakistan skipper expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations during a recent training camp in Lahore. Around 28 to 29 players participated in the camp under the supervision of head coach Mike Hesson and the national selectors.
Shaheen said the camp was particularly important because Pakistan has not played ODI cricket regularly in recent months. According to him, the sessions helped players regain rhythm and improve their readiness for the upcoming challenge.
The captain also welcomed the return of Babar Azam to the ODI side after the former skipper missed Pakistan’s away series against Bangladesh earlier this year.
Describing Babar as the backbone of Pakistan’s middle order, Shaheen praised the batter’s recent form, particularly his performances in the Pakistan Super League and his contributions in Test cricket.
He expressed hope that Babar would maintain that momentum against Australia and continue delivering match-winning performances for Pakistan.
