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'Doesn’t Know How To Take...': Wasim Akram Criticises Shaheen Afridi’s Bowling

Rajgeeta Yadav

Wasim Akram Criticises Shaheen Afridi’s Inconsistent Bowling [Source: AP, @ICC/X]Wasim Akram Criticises Shaheen Afridi’s Inconsistent Bowling [Source: AP, @ICC/X]

Pakistan have had a disappointing run in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, becoming the first team to be eliminated from the tournament along with Bangladesh. Their campaign started with a heavy loss to New Zealand in Karachi, followed by another defeat against India in Dubai.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram expressed his frustration over Shaheen Afridi’s inconsistent performances in the tournament. Akram believes Afridi is struggling with his bowling variations, which is making it easier for batters to face him.

"He hasn’t learned how to bowl outswing on a consistent basis. He has only two types of deliveries. Either he will bowl a yorker or keep straight. The world knows about his bowling now, and the batters are prepared to take him on. He doesn’t know how to take the ball away from the batter," Akram said in an interview.

Shaheen Shah and Co. Come Under Fire

Shaheen Afridi’s performance in the tournament has raised concerns, especially after his expensive spells against New Zealand and India. Against the Kiwis, he bowled 10 overs without taking a wicket, conceding 68 runs at an economy rate of 6.80. His performance against India was even worse—he gave away 72 runs in just 8 overs, picking up two wickets but finishing with a high economy rate of 9.25.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez also criticised the team’s pace attack, which includes Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. He believes their performances were below expectations, especially in the crucial match against India.

Pakistan’s title defense in the Champions Trophy got off to a rough start. The team had already lost twice to New Zealand in a recent tri-nation ODI series (which also featured South Africa) before suffering another defeat against the Kiwis in the tournament opener.

Things got worse in their match against India. Pakistan posted a total of 241 runs in Dubai, but India’s star batter Virat Kohli led a dominant chase, scoring an unbeaten century (100*) to seal the win for his team.