Mohammad Hafeez, former Pakistan Cricket team’s Captain, has talked about the performances of the experienced fast bowlers of the team. He was concerned about low performance given by Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. After the poor defeat of Pakistan team from India in Dubai on Sunday, Hafeez recommended that “Let’s move on and give opportunities to other bowlers.”
While speaking to a local sports show, Hafeez claimed that from the past two years, these bowlers are not performing well in the important tournaments. They are no more capable to play in challenging situations.
“The trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf failed to deliver in the 2023 Asia Cup, 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup, and now in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy 2025,” Hafeez said.
He further highlighted that Pakistan should search for better options by giving chance to other bowlers to test their talents and capabilities.
“It’s time to acknowledge that, despite their talent, they haven’t proven themselves capable of winning big tournaments for Pakistan. Let’s move on and give opportunities to other bowlers like Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Akif Javed, and Mir Hamza. These players are waiting for their chances, they are also Pakistani, and they deserve an opportunity,” he added.
Hafeez also raised a point against poor performance of Babar Azam in such important matches, especially while playing against India.
“Babar Azam has been playing for Pakistan for the past 10 years, yet he hasn’t been able to help Pakistan secure a single victory against India,” Hafeez expressed, while comparing him to former Pakistan’s great player Inzamam-ul-Haq.
The fast bowlers faced significant challenges in their group-stage matches against New Zealand and India, with giving maximum runs and poor economy rates. This has raised concerns about their abilities in difficult games. Despite being experienced bowlers, they proved themselves that they should not be a part of National Cricket team in the future.
Shaheen Afridi proved to be very expensive in both games. Against New Zealand, he bowled 10 overs, and gave 68 runs, while not even taking a single wicket, at an economy rate of 6.80. Against India, he gave 72 runs in eight overs while taking only two wickets at an economy rate of 9.25.
Naseem Shah gave a mixed performance. While playing against New Zealand he gave 63 runs in 10 overs by taking two wickets. Against India, he bowled for 8 overs by giving 37 runs but unfortunately he didn’t get any wicket.
Haris Rauf was very costly among the three bowlers. Against New Zealand, he bowled for 10 overs by giving 83 runs and took up only two wickets. Against India, he gave 52 runs in 7 overs while not taking any wicket.
After losing from New Zealand and India, now there seems zero chance for the defending champions to qualify for the semi-finals. Pakistan will play their final group stage match against Bangladesh on February 27, in Rawalpindi.
