'Big workload on Shaheen, Naseem'

Both fast bowlers facing immense pressure, says Pak coach Kirsten

Pakistan's white-ball coach, Gary Kirsten, has ignited a critical discussion around workload management, particularly focusing on the national team's fast bowling duo, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah.

During the Champions Cup 2024 commentary, Kirsten emphasized the immense pressure fast bowlers endure when playing across all formats.

Shaheen Afridi has been a standout performer for Pakistan, consistently delivering with fiery pace, accuracy, and the ability to swing the ball both ways. Since making his debut, the left-arm pacer has been pivotal in Pakistan's success across various formats, but his constant involvement in both domestic and international cricket has raised concerns.

Pakistan's white-ball coach highlighted the issue, saying, "Fast bowlers are always under immense pressure to deliver and win games. When we look at our key resources, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have carried the bulk of the workload for Pakistan across all formats.

"Shaheen in the last 18 months has bowled three times more overs than any other fast bowler in the world. That's not good use of your resources. You're going to wear him down at some point," said Kirsten.

Kirsten observed that Shaheen used to bowl 145-150kph but the drop in pace indicated there are fitness problems with him.

Naseem Shah, another rising star, has faced his own set of challenges. The young pacer suffered a severe shoulder injury during the Asia Cup in 2023, forcing him to miss the ODI World Cup that year.

After his recovery, Naseem returned to action during the T20I series against New Zealand, but has since been heavily involved in Pakistan's schedule without significant breaks.

Both Shaheen and Naseem are currently participating in the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup 2024.

Basit Ali wants Rizwan to lead Pak in white-ball cricket

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed his support for Mohammad Rizwan to replace Babar Azam as the captain of the national white-ball team, highlighting the wicketkeeper-batter's leadership potential.

Amid growing speculation that Babar's tenure as Pakistan's white-ball captain may be coming to an end, Rizwan has emerged as a top candidate to replace him.

Basit Ali, while speaking on his YouTube channel, praised Rizwan's leadership skills, particularly after witnessing him lead the Markhors in a dominant win against the Stallions in the Champions One-Day Cup. He highlighted Rizwan's ability to read pitch conditions, a trait he believes is superior to that of both Babar and Pakistan's Test captain, Shan Masood.

"The way Rizwan led the side, he proved there is no better skipper than him. He has shown it with his captaincy. He read the pitch; it is a big thing. Even Babar can't do that. I am not even talking about Shan. If you don't make him captain at this time, then it is a loss for Pakistan. This is the best time you should make Rizwan the captain," Basit said.

Pakistan's cricket team has faced recent struggles, prompting concerns about leadership changes. Coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie have urged the PCB to avoid rash decisions.

After the ODI World Cup 2023, Babar Azam was replaced by Shaheen Afridi as white-ball captain, but Afridi's tenure ended after a poor series. Shan Masood, now the Test captain, saw a home series loss to Bangladesh, sparking discussions about his future.

However, a PCB source has dismissed rumors of further captaincy changes, emphasizing the need to give both captains time to prove themselves.

It is worth noting that Babar Azam's role as Pakistan's white-ball captain will officially commence in November, with the team set to face Australia in ODI and T20I series.