Moeen Ali downplays Pakistan’s pace trios threat

Moeen Ali
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WEBDESK: Former England cricketer Moeen Ali has questioned the effectiveness of Pakistan’s pace trio – Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. While many cricket fans consider them among the best in the world, Moeen Ali believes their performances do not justify the hype.

In a recent interview, Moeen Ali acknowledged their talent but challenged the idea that Pakistan has the strongest fast bowlers in the game. He pointed out that despite their reputation, the trio has struggled in major tournaments, raising doubts about their consistency and impact.

“There’s this perception, especially among people with Pakistani backgrounds, that Pakistan has the best seamers. I’m like, no. They’re good, but they’re not the best,” Moeen Ali stated.

“Naseem Shah, Shaheen, and Haris Rauf are very good, don’t get me wrong. We’re not saying they’re bad, but they’re not the best either,” he said.

Pakistan’s struggles in major tournaments

Pakistan’s pace attack has come under fire following disappointing performances in several key tournaments. In the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan failed to win a single match, leading to criticism from fans and former players. The team also had underwhelming outings in the 2023 Asia Cup, the 50-over World Cup, and the T20 World Cup.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has openly suggested that the team should consider bringing in new fast bowlers. He believes fresh talent could help strengthen Pakistan’s bowling attack, which has not lived up to expectations in recent years.

Does Moeen Ali think Pakistan need a new fast Bowling lineup?

Moeen Ali’s comments add to the ongoing debate about whether Pakistan needs a change in its pace attack. While Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf have shown flashes of brilliance, their inconsistency in high-pressure situations has been a major concern.

As Pakistan looks ahead to future tournaments, selectors may need to rethink their fast-bowling strategy. Whether the current trio can bounce back or if new faces will be introduced remains to be seen. For now, Moeen Ali’s remarks have sparked fresh discussions about the true strength of Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Read more: Mickey Arthur criticises Pakistan cricket over coaching controversy

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