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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has responded to concerns surrounding the pace of the national team’s fast bowlers, joking that he would try to bowl at 200 kph while stressing that workload management remains a key factor behind fluctuating speeds.
The left-arm pacer addressed the issue during a press conference ahead of Pakistan’s three-match ODI series against Australia, which begins in Rawalpindi on Saturday.
Pakistan’s fast bowlers came under scrutiny following the recent two-Test series against Bangladesh, where the visitors suffered a 2-0 whitewash.
During the series, Pakistan’s pace attack, including Shaheen, generally operated in the mid-130kph range, prompting questions about a noticeable drop in speed.
When asked about the issue, Shaheen compared fast bowlers to machines that require maintenance after extended periods of use and highlighted the demanding schedule modern cricketers face.
“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 said.
The Pakistan captain emphasised that the team’s bowlers remain committed to improving and are working closely with coaches to regain their best rhythm.
“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.
Shaheen Afridi then lightened the mood with a humorous response directed at the reporter who raised the question.
“If you are asking about me personally, then I will try to bowl at 200kph for you,” he joked.
He also expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, revealing that the recent training camp in Lahore had helped players readjust to the 50-over format.
“ODI cricket has not been played regularly, so the camp was important for everyone to regain rhythm and prepare properly,” he said. “The practice sessions have been very good, and we are hopeful of producing strong performances.”
Shaheen also welcomed the return of former captain Babar Azam to the ODI setup after the star batter missed Pakistan’s series against Bangladesh earlier this year.
Describing Babar as a key figure in the batting unit, the ODI skipper backed him to continue the form he displayed during the Pakistan Super League.
“Babar has been an important part of the middle order for a long time. He performed well in the PSL and also played a good innings in the last Test match. We hope his form continues and he wins matches for Pakistan,” Shaheen concluded.
READ: Shaheen Afridi breaks silence on Mohammad Rizwan’s ODI future
