Pakistan’s fast bowling, once hailed as the cornerstone of its cricketing prowess, is facing scrutiny as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 progresses. With their reputation on the line, the trio of pace bowlers—Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf—has struggled to deliver at the expected level, leading to considerable criticism from cricketing experts and fans alike.
This underwhelming performance became particularly evident during Pakistan’s recent 60-run loss to New Zealand, where the bowling attack faltered significantly. Sanjay Manjrekar, a former cricketer turned commentator, highlighted this shortcoming, stating, “It was a kind of reveal for us… as the tournament went on, we also got to see Shaheen Shah Afridi wasn't the same bowler he was before. The speed in the air had completely disappeared.” This stark observation paints a concerning picture for Pakistan's cricketing future.
Manjrekar's critique extends beyond Afridi. The analysis reveals Haris Rauf's inability to lead the attack effectively, coupled with the perception of Naseem Shah as the most reliable among the trio. Yet even Shah, according to Manjrekar, has shown signs of not living up to past performances. Collectively, the trio has recorded just 14 wins out of the 28 matches they have played together across formats, reflecting disappointing statistics as they navigate through ICC competitions.
Adding to the pressure, Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed has publicly expressed faith in his pace trio, urging fans and critics to look forward to their special performance, particularly as they prepare to face their historic rivals, India. “Fakhar is a big loss. He is a match-winner. But we look forward to our rest of the players,” Javed remarked. The absence of Fakhar Zaman due to injury adds additional weight to the team as they gear up for this must-win encounter.
Reflecting on the Champions Trophy's atmosphere, Javed emphasized, “There is always pressure; no game without pressure. It's the best chance for any player to make their mark.” He likened the current pace attack to the iconic fast bowlers of the 1990s, citing the illustrations of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. Javed asserted, “We have like three, I would say, one of the best pace bowling options in today’s game with Shaheen, Naseem, and Haris. It reminds me of the 90s.”
The rooting for the trio to reclaim their form is palpable, especially as the stakes rise. The upcoming clash with India is not just another match; it’s pivotal for upward momentum following the disappointing start they faced against New Zealand. If Pakistan fails again, their chances of progressing to the semifinals could spiral down the drain.
Despite the concerted efforts from the coaching staff, skepticism looms over whether the bowlers can regain their sharpness. Against New Zealand, Afridi went wicketless and conceded 68 runs, Rauf became the highest concession with 83 runs signifying vulnerability, and Shah’s new-ball breakthrough was offset by ineffectiveness late in the innings.
“Our fast-bowling options are the best. These are the match-winners,” Javed noted, pushing back against doubts about their lack of spin options compared to other teams. “It’s not necessary to follow the same strategy as the other teams.” This statement draws attention to Pakistan's strategic choices within the tournament, showcasing reliance on their traditional strengths rather than adopting trends seen from rival nations.
With their status as tournament hosts and the weight of expectations come with it, Pakistan aims to find balance within their squad's dynamics, particularly as the need for someone from the pace trio to step up looms larger every day. Javed's confidence may serve as motivation—but whether it translates onto the pitch against India will be decisive for Pakistan’s aspirations.
The matchup against India promises to be significant beyond the points it could secure; it’s about national pride, historical rivalry, and survival at the tournament stage. The players must capitalize on the moment and showcase the abilities Javed believes they possess, especially on such a grand stage where legends are born. Without them rising to the occasion, Pakistan might face unfortunate outcomes on home soil.