Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has questioned whether Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah are the best pacers in the world. Ali said they are good but not the best, considering their performances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Pakistan were eliminated from the group stage after losing to New Zealand at home and India in Dubai. Their contest against Bangladesh was called off due to rain, and the Men in Green finished last in Group A. Speaking on a podcast with Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali mentioned that the reputation of Pakistan’s pace unit is exaggerated.
“There is a feeling among people with a Pakistan background that Pakistan have the best fast bowlers. They are good but not the best,” he said, as quoted by Cricket Addictor.
“Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf are good. Don’t take me wrong. I am not calling them bad but they are not the best in the business at the moment,” he added.
Shaheen Shah Afridi conceded 68 runs in 10 overs without picking up a wicket against New Zealand. Although Afridi dismissed two Indian batters, he gave away 74 runs in 8 overs.
Naseem Shah amassed two scalps against New Zealand, conceding 63 runs. He went wicketless against the Men in Blue, giving away 37 runs from 8 overs. Haris Rauf conceded 83 runs and took two wickets from his 10 overs against the Kiwis. He went for 52 runs from 7 overs against India but failed to take a wicket.
Pakistan will now play against New Zealand in five T20Is and three ODIs, starting from March 16.
Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf are part of the T20I squad, while Naseem Shah will play in the fifty-over format series.