Shaheen Afridi Criticized by Ramiz Raja Over Pace Drop

The Changing Dynamics of Pakistan’s Pace Attack

In the high-stakes world of international cricket, few things are scrutinized as intensely as the velocity of a frontline fast bowler. Recently, Pakistan’s pace spearhead, Shaheen Shah Afridi, found himself at the center of a harsh public critique during the first Test match against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. As the game unfolded in Mirpur, the conversation shifted from the match proceedings to the declining speed of one of the world’s most feared left-arm pacers.

Ramiz Raja’s Blunt Assessment

The incident occurred during live commentary when former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja offered a candid and stinging evaluation of Afridi’s performance. After witnessing Afridi bowl a spell where his pace hovered consistently between 130-135 kph, Raja did not hold back. Drawing a comparison to Bangladesh’s Nahid Rana, he remarked, “We don’t have pacers like Nahid Rana. We have medium pacers. Shaheen Afridi so far has looked like a medium pacer.”

This blunt observation from a former cricket chief underscores the growing anxiety within the Pakistani cricket fraternity regarding Afridi’s effectiveness. Once known for consistently clocking over 140 kph, the speed gun has painted a different picture since the left-arm pacer suffered a significant knee injury in 2022.

Statistical Evidence of a Slowdown

While Shaheen Afridi has often dismissed the notion that his injury has fundamentally hampered his pace, the statistical data tells a compelling, if concerning, story. In the realm of ODI cricket, the decline is stark. In 2021, a remarkable 35% of his deliveries were clocked at speeds exceeding 140 kph. However, the trajectory changed drastically post-injury. That figure plummeted to 11% in 2022, 8% in 2023, 4% in 2024, and stands at 9% for 2025.

This downward trend is not limited to ODIs; it mirrors patterns seen in both Test and T20I formats. While Afridi remains a threat with the new ball, his ability to maintain hostility through middle and death overs has visibly waned. This evolution into a more “manageable” bowler is a critical challenge for a Pakistan side that has historically built its success on the back of aggressive, high-speed pace bowling.

Impact on Pakistan’s Strategic Outlook

Pakistan’s dependence on Afridi for early breakthroughs is well-documented. When he is on song, he sets the tone for the entire bowling unit. Conversely, when he struggles to generate pace and movement, the entire bowling attack often appears toothless. The reliance on his individual brilliance has, at times, masked deeper issues within the squad’s rotation and fitness management.

The current situation does not necessarily call for panic, but it does demand a sophisticated approach to workload management and technical adjustment. If Afridi is to regain his status as a world-class speedster, both the coaching staff and the player must confront the reality of his post-injury bowling mechanics.

Bangladesh’s Resilience in the First Test

Beyond the individual struggle of Afridi, the match itself saw a resilient Bangladesh side. Despite losing two early wickets—including a strike from Afridi to remove Mahmudul Hasan Joy—the hosts stabilized effectively. The partnership between Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Shanto proved that the Bangladeshi lineup is no longer intimidated by the Pakistani pace attack.

As the match continues, all eyes will remain on whether Afridi can adjust his strategy or if this transition into a medium-fast bowler is a permanent fixture of his career. For Pakistan, finding the right balance for their premier bowler is essential if they wish to remain competitive in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. The road ahead requires patience, tactical foresight, and, perhaps most importantly, an honest conversation about the physical demands placed on modern-day fast bowlers.