Pakistan Cricket Team’s recent performance in especially in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have become a topic of much discussion. Despite being the host nation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the team, led by Mohammad Rizwan, failed to win a single match and was eliminated in the group stage. Pakistan Pace Bowling, traditionally one of the strongest in world cricket, struggled on home soil during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Their performance was so disappointing that it caught the attention of experts and fans around the world, with many wondering what went wrong.
It was especially shocking because Pakistan was the host nation, and the expectation was that playing at home would give them a significant advantage. Instead, the team failed to win a single match and crashed out in the group stage. This underwhelming performance led to widespread criticism, with several commentators pointing to a lack of consistency in their game. Even Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar couldn’t help but remark that India’s B team might have had a better chance against Pakistan based on their current form.
Pakistan’s downfall has raised serious concerns about the future of their cricket team. Fans and experts alike are questioning everything from team selection to leadership and strategy. Many are asking for changes, hoping to see a revolution that will restore the team’s confidence and strength. After their early exit from the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan now faces the tough task of finding their footing again on the global cricket stage.
The Decline of Pakistan Pace Bowling
In history of cricket, Pakistan has reared some pace bowlers that were know fro ripping apart batting line ups all year. The land of Pakistan is a factory that unearths gem of fast bowlers year in and year out. Bowlers like Shoiab Akhter, Umar Gul, Wasim Akram, and many more single-handedly took Pakistan cricket to new heights in their era.
Wasim Akram (916), Waqar Younis (789), Imran Khan (544), Shoaib Akhtar (438), and Umar Gul (427) are the top 5 wicket-takers in Pakistan cricket history across formats.
Nonetheless, one of the most disappointing trends for Pakistani cricket fans since the turn of the millennium is the decline of fast bowling talent in the country. Pakistan, once known for producing a wide variety of fast bowlers, is now struggling to maintain the longevity of their pace attack.
Notably, none of the fast bowlers who debuted after 2000 have managed to take 200 wickets in Test cricket, which is a worrying sign for the future. Leading the list of fast bowlers with the most wickets since 2000 is Umar Gul, with just 163 wickets. The current situation looks hopeless, as Pakistan pace bowlers lack lustre, reflecting a lack of depth in the fast bowling department. This marks a sharp contrast to the country’s rich history of producing some of the finest fast bowlers in world cricket.
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Pakistan Pace Attack at Present
Back in 2023, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar praised the current pace attack of Pakistan, comparing it to the legendary partnership of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. Pakistan Pace Bowling department, boasting a strong trio in Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. In the Asia Cup, co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, this trio had taken 23 wickets in the first three matches, showcasing their impressive bowling prowess overall.
While Shaheen back then was a standout performer, rattling every team’s top order. Akhtar, speaking in an online chat organized by Star Sports, expressed his delight in seeing such talent emerging from Pakistan, saying the current pace attack reminded him of the golden era of the “two Ws” (Wasim and Waqar). He praised the bowlers’ confidence and wicket-taking mindset, with Haris Rauf leading the wicket chart in the Asia Cup with 9 wickets.
Akhtar also highlighted the potential of Naseem Shah, advising him to focus on delivering more wicket-taking balls. With a rich history of great fast bowlers like Fazal Mahmood, Sarfraz Nawaz, and Imran Khan, Akhtar believes Pakistan looked as a strong contender to win both the Asia Cup and the World Cup.
However, a sluggish display with the bat and an uninspired bowling display jeopardised their title defence in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Pakistan Pace Bowling Falters in Champions Trophy 2025
Defending Champions and the hosts, Pakistan lost the opening match of the 50-over tournament to New Zealand and were at the bottom of Group A. Pakistan fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf leaked 214 runs in their 30 overs combined in New Zealand’s total of 320.
Despite, all the backing, Pakistan in their second match against arch-rivals India failed to put on any effort. While having won the toss and deciding to bat first, the Men in Green failed to optimize it. Pakistan batters put up a target of 242.
While Shaheen Afridi did managed to scalp Rohit Sharma’s wicket early in the innings, it didn’t prove to be enough. Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, both went wicketless. Notably, the pace trio of Pakistan in their total 23 overs leaked as many as 163 runs in submission. That too while defending a mere target of 242.
Only Afridi got two wickets, however, that’s not something one can be proud of, after giving 74 runs in 8 ultimately.
Final Words
Pakistan pace bowling, which was once a major strength for the team, has faced significant struggles in recent years, especially during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Even though the team has exciting talents like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, their inconsistency and failure to step up in crucial moments have been hard to ignore. The early exit from the tournament, coupled with disappointing performances from their fast bowlers, has raised many questions about the future of Pakistan’s pace attack.
If they want to get back to their former glory, the team will need to address these issues and find a way to make their fast bowlers a threat again on the world stage.