PAK vs AUS: Shaheen Afridi’s pace has been a major talking point in recent years. While the left-arm fast bowler continues to produce the occasional match-winning spell, many fans and experts feel he has not consistently delivered in the biggest matches for Pakistan. Ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming ODI series against Australia, Afridi was asked about the perceived drop in speed among Pakistan’s fast bowlers. His response, however, has sparked criticism on social media.
Pakistan’s pace attack has struggled to make a significant impact in major ICC tournaments in recent years. The team failed to progress beyond the group stage in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, while they were also knocked out early in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Although Pakistan reached the Super 8 stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup, they once again fell short of mounting a serious title challenge.
During a media interaction, Afridi was questioned about the lack of pace among Pakistan’s bowlers compared to some of the emerging fast bowlers around the world. In his response, he appeared to reference Bangladesh speedster Nahid Rana, suggesting that younger bowlers are able to maintain higher speeds because they have played fewer matches.
Responding to the question, Afridi said:
“Mein bilkul koshish karoonga ke mein apke liye 200 pe speed rakhoon.”
(I will try my best to bowl at 200 kmph for you.)
The remark was clearly made in jest, considering that the fastest deliveries ever recorded in cricket have been around the 160 kmph mark. However, the comment did not go down well with a section of fans, many of whom felt Pakistan’s senior players should be addressing concerns around the team’s performances more seriously.
Pakistan’s recent ODI record has also added to the scrutiny. The team exited the 2025 Champions Trophy in the group stage after defeats to India and New Zealand. They were then whitewashed 3-0 in New Zealand before suffering a 2-1 series defeat against the West Indies. Although Pakistan registered home-series wins over a second-string South African side and Sri Lanka, they were unable to build momentum and most recently lost a series in Bangladesh by a 2-1 margin.
With Australia next on the schedule, Afridi and Pakistan’s pace attack will once again be under the spotlight as they look to regain form and confidence ahead of future ICC events.
