Champions Trophy 2025: Is Pakistan’s Pace Trio Finished?

Former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez has called for a major shake-up in the national team’s bowling lineup following their disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking in an interview on Sunday, Hafeez criticized the pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, stating that it’s time for Pakistan to move on and give opportunities to other bowlers.

Hafeez’s comments came after Pakistan’s six-wicket loss to India in Dubai, which marked their second consecutive defeat in the tournament. The former all-rounder expressed his frustration with the trio’s inability to deliver in high-pressure games, pointing out their consistent underperformance in major tournaments since the 2023 Asia Cup.

“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 Champions Trophy 2025,” Hafeez said.

He emphasized that while the three bowlers are undoubtedly talented, they have not proven themselves capable of winning big tournaments for Pakistan.

“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,” Hafeez added.

Hafeez’s criticism is backed by the trio’s lackluster performances in the ongoing Champions Trophy. In the two group-stage matches against New Zealand and India, the bowlers struggled to contain runs and failed to make significant breakthroughs.

The trio’s inability to deliver in crucial moments has left Pakistan’s bowling attack looking toothless, raising questions about their effectiveness in high-stakes matches.