Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi said the loss of raw pace in the national bowling lineup is a result of natural wear.

The comments come as critics and media question the declining speed of Pakistan's premier quicks, a core component of the team's historical strategy. Any significant drop in velocity can alter the competitive edge of the bowling attack during international fixtures.

Speaking at the PSL 2026 [1] captains' press conference in New Delhi, Afridi addressed the perceived lack of speed among the bowlers. He described the physical decline of athletes in terms of mechanical wear, saying, "Machines deteriorate with time" [2].

The bowler's remarks were part of a broader set of queries regarding the team's recent performances. Reports from the event vary on his demeanor; while some noted his explanation of pace loss, other reports said he shushed the media and avoided questions regarding the struggling state of Pakistan cricket [3].

This tension follows a period of instability for the squad. In one recent instance, Pakistan was bowled out for 163 [4], highlighting the team's struggle to maintain consistency in both batting and bowling departments.

Afridi's analogy suggests that the decline in speed is an inevitable biological process rather than a failure of training or technique. However, the mixed reactions from the press conference indicate a growing gap between the players' perspectives and the expectations of the media and fans. The bowler's attempt to frame the loss of pace as a natural progression remains a point of contention as the team seeks to regain its dominance on the world stage.

“"Machines deteriorate with time"”

Afridi's comments signal a shift in how Pakistan's leadership views the aging process of its fast-bowling core. By framing the loss of pace as an inevitability, the team may be pivoting away from attempting to recover lost speed and instead focusing on tactical adjustments. However, the friction between Afridi and the media suggests that the team is under significant pressure to produce results despite these physical limitations.