Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is facing growing scrutiny after a noticeable decline in his bowling speed sparked intense debate among cricket experts and fans.
Former cricketer Bazid Khan revealed that Shaheen’s pace dropped by nearly 10 to 15 km/h during Pakistan’s recent Test match against Bangladesh, raising concerns over the left-arm fast bowler’s rhythm, fitness, and overall effectiveness. ()
The discussion intensified after comparisons were drawn with legendary speedster Shoaib Akhtar, who was known for maintaining express pace throughout long spells. Analysts believe Shaheen’s reduced speed may impact Pakistan’s bowling attack, especially ahead of major international assignments.
Despite the criticism, Shaheen remains one of Pakistan’s premier bowlers with an impressive international record and previous top ICC rankings. Cricket circles are now closely watching whether the pacer can regain his trademark pace in upcoming matches.
The development has triggered widespread reactions across social media, with fans divided over whether the issue is temporary fatigue or a deeper concern for Pakistan cricket.