Former Pakistan cricketer and renowned analyst Bazid Khan has raised concerns over ace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi’s declining pace and diminished use of the bouncer, attributing the changes to his return from injury.
Speaking on PTV Sports during a post-match analysis show hosted by Zainab Abbas, Bazid suggested that the left-arm pacer no longer possesses the same fear factor that once made him a standout performer in world cricket.
“His pace was noticeably higher before the injury,” Bazid noted. “His inswingers were sharper and more impactful. Since returning, he hasn’t quite regained that intensity.”
Bazid pointed out that Shaheen appears overly reliant on attempting yorkers too early in his spell, rather than building pressure with short-pitched deliveries. “He’s pitching the ball up too much with the new ball. Given his height, he could be far more effective by setting up batters with short-of-a-length deliveries,” Bazid explained.
The analyst also expressed surprise at the pacer’s reluctance to bowl bouncers, especially in the initial overs. “I honestly can’t recall the last time he bowled a bouncer early in the innings. It’s surprising for someone of his stature. In the match against India, after getting hit for boundaries, I thought a bouncer in frustration was the natural response. Bouncer… I think he has forgotten? But it seems like it doesn’t even cross his mind anymore.”
Despite the criticism, Bazid acknowledged that Shaheen has started to employ a shorter length more frequently, which he believes is a step in the right direction.
The discussion followed Pakistan’s 41-run win over the United Arab Emirates in the Asia Cup 2025.
Batting first, Pakistan overcame a mid-innings collapse to post 146-9 in their 20 overs. Contributions from the lower order proved crucial, with Shaheen Afridi delivering a valuable cameo of 29 runs off 14 balls to push the total beyond reach.
With the ball, Shaheen made an impact as well, claiming two important wickets and earning the Player of the Match award for his all-round performance. His spell helped Pakistan restrict UAE effectively and secure their place in the Super Four stage of the tournament.