Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi prepares to ship a ball throughout their ICC Males’s T20 World Cup match in opposition to Netherlands on the Sinhalese Sports activities Membership (SSC) Floor in Colombo on February 7, 2026. — AFP
Defending Pakistan’s tempo assault, skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi mentioned on Friday that heavy workloads and fatigue had contributed to diminished speeds, however insisted the bowlers remained decided to regain their edge.
The Inexperienced Shirts, set to host Australia for a three-match ODI sequence from Could 30 to June 4, toured Bangladesh for 2 Checks earlier this month and suffered a 2-0 whitewash, which was their second consecutive in opposition to the Tigers within the longest format.
In the course of the sequence, a part of the ICC World Check Championship (WTC), Pakistan pacers, together with Shaheen, struggled to hassle Bangladesh batters with tempo, with the common ranging in mid-130s.
In the meantime, when requested in regards to the nationwide seamers’ declining tempo, Shaheen highlighted their dedication to offer their greatest for the nation as he in contrast themselves to a machine, emphasising that each want upkeep for higher effectivity.
“When it comes to fast bowling, people need to understand that when a machine keeps running continuously, it eventually needs maintenance. Some of our fast bowlers have played a lot of cricket. When a player is fresh and rested, naturally, he can bowl with more intensity,” Shaheen acknowledged.
“Pakistan’s fast bowlers are always ready to give everything for the country. We are all thinking about how to increase our pace again, and the coaches and management are working on it as well,” he added.
The left-arm pacer then humorously advised the reporter that he would attempt to bowl at 200kmph for him.
“If you are asking about me personally, then I will try to bowl at 200kph for you,” he joked.
Talking about Pakistan’s preparations for the ODI sequence in opposition to Australia, Afridi mentioned the coaching camp in Lahore had been productive, throughout which round 28 to 29 gamers took half beneath the supervision of head coach Mike Hesson and the selectors.
“ODI cricket has not been played regularly, so the camp was important for everyone to regain rhythm and prepare properly,” he mentioned.
“The practice sessions have been very good, and we are hopeful of producing strong performances,” he added.
The 26-year-old additionally welcomed the return of Babar Azam to the ODI aspect after lacking the away sequence in opposition to Bangladesh in March, terming the right-handed batter because the “backbone” of their center order.
He additional backed the 31-year-old to hold his elegant Pakistan Tremendous League (PSL) type into the ODI sequence.
“Babar has been an important part of the middle order for a long time. He performed well in the PSL and also played good innings in the last Test match. We hope his form continues and he wins matches for Pakistan.”
