Bowling Coach Noffke Gives Positive Update on Shaheen Afridi’s Bowling Pace

Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is gradually returning to his best form, according to the team’s bowling coach Ashley Noffke. The Australian coach explained that Shaheen’s pace had noticeably dropped after suffering a serious knee injury in 2023. However, recent performances suggest that the left-arm pacer is finally regaining both his rhythm and confidence.

Shaheen Afridi, now 29 years old, had shown strong form in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) earlier this year, where he bowled with aggression and accuracy. But despite that, he was left out of back-to-back T20I series against Bangladesh. Head coach Mike Hesson had mentioned that the pacer still had some areas to improve before making a full comeback. Shaheen, however, answered his critics in style by taking six wickets in the white-ball series against the West Indies, a performance that not only boosted his confidence but also secured his spot in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming tri-nation series in the UAE and the Asia Cup.

Speaking after a training session in Dubai, Noffke shared some encouraging updates. He revealed that Shaheen’s average bowling speed, which had dipped to around 134.5 kph after the injury, is steadily improving. In recent nets, Afridi even managed to clock speeds in the 140s, showing that his natural pace is returning. Noffke highlighted that recovering full speed after a major injury is never instant, but the signs are very positive and suggest that Shaheen is heading in the right direction.

Another encouraging sign is the return of Shaheen’s trademark swing bowling. Swing has always been his biggest weapon, especially early in his career, when he troubled world-class batters with late movement both ways. While Shaheen is already respected as one of the most skilled fast bowlers in modern cricket, the refinement of his swing could make him an even bigger match-winner for Pakistan in upcoming tournaments.

All eyes will now be on Afridi as Pakistan faces Afghanistan in Sharjah on Friday. At his peak, Shaheen is not just a strike bowler but the spearhead of Pakistan’s bowling attack, capable of breaking partnerships and turning games in Pakistan’s favor. With the Asia Cup around the corner, his revival comes at the perfect time for the national team, as fans and experts hope to see the left-arm pacer back at his very best.

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