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Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez lashed out at pace trio Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf after the team's humiliating six-wicket loss against India in their second league match of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
Hafeez suggested Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to move on from the trio and give opportunities to other bowlers citing examples of their performances in past ICC events. Hafeez pointed out that the trio has not been able to deliver in major tournaments for the past two years.
"The trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf failed to deliver in the 2023 Asia Cup, 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup, and now in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy 2025," Hafeez said as quoted by cricket Pakistan.
He further emphasized that Pakistan should start looking at other bowling options.
"It’s time to acknowledge that, despite their talent, they haven’t proven themselves capable of winning big tournaments for Pakistan. Let’s move on and give opportunities to other bowlers like Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Akif Javed, and Mir Hamza. These players are waiting for their chances—they are also Pakistani, and they deserve an opportunity," he added.
After losing their second consecutive league match against India, defending champions Pakistan are on the verge of getting out of the Champions Trophy. The Men in Green will play their third league match against Bangladesh on February 27 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
