Lahore: Shaheen Shah Afridi said Pakistan’s fast bowlers lost pace because of heavy workloads and fatigue, but he backed them to regain intensity before the Australia ODI series.
Pakistan will host Australia in a three-match ODI series from May 30 to June 4, according to the source content.
Shaheen defended the pace attack after Pakistan’s 2-0 Test series defeat in Bangladesh. Pakistan pacers struggled for speed during the ICC World Test Championship series.
The Pakistan captain said fast bowlers need rest to stay sharp. He compared bowlers to machines that need maintenance after constant use.
Pakistan Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi Pre-Series Press Conference | Pakistan vs Australia ODI Series#PAKvAUS | #TakraarKaTime | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/DiOwM6iYy7
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) May 29, 2026“Some of our fast bowlers have played a lot of cricket,” Shaheen said. He added that fresh, rested players can bowl with greater intensity.
Shaheen said Pakistan’s coaches and management were working with the pacers to improve speed.
He also praised the team’s Lahore training camp. Around 28 to 29 players joined sessions under head coach Mike Hesson and the selectors.
Read: Pakistan West Indies Test Series Dates Announced
Shaheen said the camp helped players regain rhythm because Pakistan had not played regular ODI cricket.
He welcomed Babar Azam’s return to the ODI side. Shaheen called him the backbone of Pakistan’s middle order and backed him to carry his Pakistan Super League form into the series.
