Shaheen Afridi Criticized by Ramiz Raja Over Pace Decline
The Changing Pace of Pakistan’s Lead Bowler
In the high-stakes arena of international cricket, few things are scrutinized as intensely as a fast bowler’s velocity. During the first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, the spotlight turned firmly onto Shaheen Shah Afridi, but for reasons that have left fans and pundits deeply concerned. During the live broadcast, former PCB chief and commentator Ramiz Raja directed a stinging critique at the Pakistani pace spearhead, questioning his status as a genuine fast bowler.
A Brutal Assessment from the Commentary Box
The match began with Pakistan opting to bowl first on a pitch that demanded discipline and vigor. Despite an early breakthrough where Afridi dismissed Mahmudul Hasan Joy, his subsequent spells appeared listless. With his speeds hovering between 130 and 135 kph, the contrast to the aggressive pace displayed by Bangladesh’s Nahid Rana was stark. It was in this context that Ramiz Raja delivered his blunt assessment: “We don’t have pacers like Nahid Rana. We have medium pacers. Shaheen Afridi so far has looked like a medium pacer.”
This remark, while harsh, highlights an ongoing conversation within the cricketing fraternity regarding the evolution of Afridi’s bowling style since his significant knee injury in 2022. While the bowler himself has consistently downplayed the suggestion that his physical condition has hindered his output, the statistical data presents a compelling, if worrying, narrative.
The Statistical Reality of the Decline
The numbers paint a clear picture of how Afridi’s role has shifted over the last few years. In 2021, the left-arm pacer was a formidable force, with 35% of his deliveries in ODI cricket clocking in at over 140 kph. Following his injury in 2022, that figure plummeted to 11%. Subsequent years have seen that percentage dwindle further: 8% in 2023, 4% in 2024, and a marginal 9% in 2025. A similar trend has been observed across all formats, including Test and T20I cricket.
While Afridi remains a lethal threat with the new ball, his inability to maintain high speed throughout the day has placed an immense burden on the rest of the Pakistani bowling attack. When the spearhead loses his sting, the entire squad often finds itself on the back foot, struggling to maintain pressure on the opposition.
Context of the Mirpur Test
The ongoing Test serves as a critical juncture for both nations. With Babar Azam sidelined due to a mysterious injury, Pakistan’s bowling lineup, consisting of Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, and Hasan Ali, faced a stern test. Bangladesh, looking to build upon their historic 2-0 series sweep against Pakistan in 2024, utilized the conditions to their advantage.
Despite an early wobble that saw Bangladesh reduced to 31/2 thanks to wickets from Afridi and Hasan Ali, the hosts found stability. A composed partnership between Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Shanto steered the ship, leaving Pakistan to search for answers as the day progressed. The resilience shown by the Bangladeshi pair suggests that this series will be anything but a walk in the park for the visitors.
What Lies Ahead for Pakistan?
The debate surrounding Shaheen Afridi’s pace is not merely about numbers; it is about the tactical necessity of having a genuine speedster to unsettle modern batters. Pakistan’s over-reliance on Afridi for early wickets has become a structural weakness. If his pace continues to drop, the team management will face the difficult task of re-evaluating his role or providing him the necessary support to facilitate a recovery of his former speed.
It is not yet time for panic, but the writing is on the wall. The monitoring of his physical condition must transition from a passive observation to a proactive strategy. As Pakistan looks to solidify its standing in the World Test Championship, the health and speed of their lead bowler will remain a central theme of their campaign. Whether Afridi can rediscover his 140+ kph fire remains one of the most intriguing questions in world cricket today.
