Ramiz Raja raises concerns over Shaheen Afridi’s form and attitude

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has voiced concerns over fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi’s recent struggles, suggesting that the left-armer’s difficulties may extend beyond his recovery from a knee injury.

Raja made the comments during an international cricket podcast featuring former England players Michael Vaughan, Alastair Cook, David Lloyd and Phil Tufnell. The discussion focused on Pakistan’s fast-bowling stocks and Afridi’s absence from the national Test side.

Pakistan’s pace attack has come under scrutiny during the ongoing Test series, with questions being raised over the team’s ability to produce the same threat that once made its fast bowlers among the most feared in international cricket.

The debate intensified after left-arm spinner Ali Usman claimed a five-wicket haul at a venue traditionally considered favourable to fast bowlers. His performance prompted discussion about whether Pakistan’s current bowling resources are meeting the demands of Test cricket.

Afridi, meanwhile, has been dealing with fitness concerns following a knee injury. Raja acknowledged that the pacer may not yet be completely fit but said there were also perceptions within the team environment about his attitude and engagement.

Raja was careful not to present those perceptions as established fact, stressing that he does not know Afridi well enough to make a definitive judgement.

He nevertheless said there was a general impression in the dugout that the fast bowler was not always fully engaged and that his mood, treatment within the team and administrative issues could potentially affect his performances.

“I don’t know what’s happened with him, so obviously he’s not 100% after that knee injury,” Raja said. “But people say there’s an attitude problem as well. I don’t know; I don’t know him well enough.”

He added that mood swings, perceived treatment issues and administrative lapses could all have an impact on a player’s performance.

Raja’s remarks come as Pakistan seeks to rebuild a pace-bowling unit capable of succeeding in demanding Test conditions overseas. He also questioned the growing practice of labelling young players as future white-ball specialists.

According to the former captain, Pakistan cannot afford to develop players solely for limited-overs cricket when Test cricket remains an important pathway for establishing international reputations.

“There are two or three players in the PSL circuit who have been categorised as white-ball future assets, but that’s not going to work,” Raja said.

He argued that young cricketers should be encouraged to develop skills across formats, particularly because Test tours of England and Australia can provide players with an opportunity to make a lasting impression.

“If you want to play Test cricket and come here to England, for example, or go to Australia, you can’t be like this,” Raja said, stressing that global attention is focused on major Test series.

For Afridi, the comments add another layer to the scrutiny surrounding his recent career. The pacer remains one of Pakistan’s most recognisable fast-bowling talents, but maintaining fitness, rhythm and consistency will be crucial as he seeks to regain his place as a leading force across formats.