Pakistan’s Bowling Concerns Before Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan’s fast bowling lineup is under intense scrutiny as the Champions Trophy 2025 approaches. Former captain Rashid Latif has raised concerns over the performance of key pacers, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah.
Latif believes these bowlers have struggled to make a significant impact in recent matches. He emphasized that Pakistan’s pace attack needs a major overhaul before the tournament begins on February 19, 2025.
- Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah’s form is a major concern for Pakistan.
- Rashid Latif suggests changes in the pace attack post-ICC event.
- Pakistan’s performance in the Tri-Series highlights the bowling struggles.
Shaheen Afridi’s Declining Match-Winning Performances
Latif questioned Shaheen Afridi’s effectiveness, asking when the left-arm pacer last delivered a match-winning spell. Afridi, once known for his lethal swing and early breakthroughs, has not been able to replicate past performances consistently.
According to Latif, Pakistan must rethink its bowling strategy and consider new options. He believes Afridi’s recent performances have lacked match-defining contributions, which is a major concern ahead of Champions Trophy 2025.
Concerns Raised by Rashid Latif:
- Shaheen Afridi has not delivered a dominant spell recently.
- His effectiveness in crucial matches has declined.
- Pakistan must explore new bowling options for the future.
Naseem Shah’s Struggles in Pakistan’s Bowling Unit
Like Afridi, Naseem Shah has also struggled to make an impact. Despite his raw pace and talent, Naseem has failed to provide crucial breakthroughs in pressure situations.
Latif pointed out that Pakistan’s bowling attack lacks consistency. If the team aims to succeed in the Champions Trophy 2025, it must fix these problems before the tournament begins.
Pakistan’s Bowling Weaknesses:
- Naseem has been ineffective in key matches.
- Lack of wicket-taking ability in powerplay overs.
- No consistent leader in the bowling unit.
Tri-Series Performance Highlights Pakistan’s Struggles
Pakistan’s concerns over pace bowling intensified after their 78-run loss to New Zealand in the ongoing Tri-Nation Series. The bowlers failed to create pressure, allowing the opposition to dominate.
Latif believes that if the pace attack doesn’t improve, Pakistan may struggle in upcoming fixtures, including the crucial match against South Africa on February 11, 2025.
Lessons from Tri-Series:
- Pakistan’s pacers failed to control runs against New Zealand.
- The team needs a stronger strategy against South Africa.
- The bowling unit must regain its rhythm before the ICC event.
Senior Players Need to Take Responsibility
Apart from Shaheen and Naseem, Latif also called out Pakistan’s senior players. He pointed out that stars like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi are rarely criticized for underperformance, while younger players like Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha face heavy scrutiny.
Latif urged the senior players to step up and lead by example, ensuring that Pakistan’s squad is fully prepared for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Pakistan’s Senior Players Must:
- Take more responsibility in high-pressure games.
- Support younger players with their experience.
- Lead the team’s resurgence before the tournament.
Pakistan’s Next Steps Before Champions Trophy 2025
With the Champions Trophy 2025 fast approaching, Pakistan must address its weaknesses and strengthen its squad. The upcoming matches in the Tri-Series will be a key testing ground for evaluating the team’s performance.
Latif’s statements reflect the growing concern over Pakistan’s pace attack. If the team hopes to compete against the world’s best, major improvements are needed before the ICC tournament.
Possible Solutions for Pakistan:
- Introduce new fast bowlers into the squad.
- Improve fitness and performance levels of current pacers.
- Develop a solid bowling strategy for key matches.
Pakistan faces a tough challenge ahead of Champions Trophy 2025. The concerns over Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah highlight the team’s struggles in the bowling department. If Pakistan wants to be a serious contender in the ICC tournament, urgent changes and improvements are necessary.
The Tri-Nation Series will serve as a final opportunity to test different combinations. Pakistan must ensure that its pace attack is ready before stepping onto the field in the prestigious ICC event.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
