LAHORE: Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has addressed concerns over the pace of the national team’s fast bowlers, saying workload and fatigue have affected bowling speeds but insisting the pacers remain committed to regaining their sharpness.
Pakistan will host Australia for a three-match ODI series from May 30 to June 4 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. The discussion around the team’s pace attack intensified after Pakistan’s 2-0 Test series defeat against Bangladesh, where the fast bowlers struggled to generate their usual speed.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Shaheen compared fast bowlers to machines that require regular maintenance to perform at their best.
Heavy Workload Impacting Pace
“When it comes to fast bowling, people need to understand that when a machine keeps running continuously, it eventually needs maintenance,” Shaheen said.
“Some of our fast bowlers have played a lot of cricket. When a player is fresh and rested, naturally, he can bowl with more intensity.”
The left-arm pacer emphasized that Pakistan’s bowlers remain determined to improve their pace and overall performance.
“Pakistan’s fast bowlers are always ready to give everything for the country. We are all thinking about how to increase our pace again, and the coaches and management are working on it as well,” he added.
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‘I Will Bowl at 200kph’
Responding humorously to a question about his own bowling speed, Shaheen joked that he would exceed all known pace records.
“If you are asking about me personally, then I will try to bowl at 200kph for you,” he said with a smile.
Pakistan Confident Ahead of Australia Series
Shaheen also expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s preparations for the ODI series, highlighting the importance of the recent training camp in Lahore under head coach Mike Hesson.
“ODI cricket has not been played regularly, so the camp was important for everyone to regain rhythm and prepare properly,” he said.
“The practice sessions have been very good, and we are hopeful of producing strong performances.”
Babar’s Return Boosts Pakistan
The Pakistan skipper welcomed the return of Babar Azam to the ODI squad, describing him as the backbone of the batting lineup.
“Babar has been an important part of the middle order for a long time. He performed well in the PSL and also played good innings in the last Test match,” Shaheen said.
“We hope his form continues and he wins matches for Pakistan.”
Pakistan will begin the ODI series against Australia on May 30, aiming to build momentum ahead of upcoming international assignments and ICC events.
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