Former Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif has voiced strong criticism of the national team's pace bowling attack, particularly targeting Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah for their underwhelming performances. Following Pakistan's disappointing defeat to New Zealand during the Tri-Nation ODI series opener, Latif has called for urgent changes to the fast-bowling lineup as the team gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
During a recent interview, Latif pointedly questioned, "When was the last time Afridi delivered a match-winning performance?" He emphasized the need for the players to step up before the high-stakes tournament, signaling his disappointment with the current level of play from senior bowlers like Afridi and Shah.
Latif's criticisms focused on the perceived lack of significant contributions from Nawaz or Afridi, stating, "Naseem has also not contributed significantly to Pakistan's success." The former wicketkeeper-batsman highlighted how the recent loss to New Zealand is indicative of serious issues within the bowling department. He expressed his concerns, saying, "I have concerns over the form of Shaheen, Naseem and others, and I feel they have not performed as expected."
The ICC Champions Trophy provides the perfect backdrop for examination of team performance, but Latif fears the current crop of pacers isn’t up to the task.
Latif also pointed out what he sees as uneven scrutiny among team members. He noted, "No one is talking about these players' lacklustre performances," contrasting the treatment of senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan with the more frequent criticism directed toward younger talents like Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha. This inconsistency, he argues, hampers the team's overall morale and performance.
Latif’s remarks have sparked conversations about the need for fresh faces within the Pakistan pace attack. He recommends the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) actively seek out new fast-bowling talent to bolster the team. His assertion is clear: accountability is necessary, especially among senior team members if Pakistan aims to succeed.
"The PCB should find new fast bowlers and make sure senior players are held accountable for their underwhelming performances on the field," he remarked, stressing the need for responsibility within the squad.
Non-retirement notices aside, the champions from 2017 must also rise to the occasion. Latif is not alone in his view; the legendary Javed Miandad has echoed similar sentiments about the dependence on the pace attack for success at the Champions Trophy. Miandad noted, "I am hopeful the pace bowlers will deliver when it matters for us." With only one specialist spinner selected, the pressure on Afridi and Shah to perform could not be greater.
Pakistan's performance against South Africa, which is set to occur on February 14, will serve as another test before they face off against the New Zealand team again on February 19. The trio of Latif, Miandad, and other cricket veterans continue to watch closely, ensuring the senior members of the squad know their accountability and the eyes are upon them. The countdown to the Champions Trophy is ticking, and for Afridi and Shah, stepping up is not just expected; it is urgent.