Pakistan fast bowler and ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has made it clear that Pakistan will not rely entirely on spin bowling, even though spin has proven effective in Bangladesh conditions.
Speaking during a press conference ahead of the upcoming match against Bangladesh, Shaheen Afridi was asked whether Pakistan might adopt a similar approach to West Indies, who bowled their entire 50 overs with spin in Bangladesh.
Shaheen Afridi dismissed the idea and emphasized Pakistan’s long-standing reputation for fast bowling.
“That won’t happen,” Shaheen said. “Pakistan is famous for its fast bowling, and I’ll ensure our pacers take wickets, though our spinners will play their part too.”
His comments underline Pakistan’s historic reliance on pace attacks, a strength that has defined the team for decades. Pakistan has produced many world-class fast bowlers, and Shaheen Afridi indicated that the team intends to continue that tradition even when playing in spin-friendly conditions.
However, Pakistan has recently shown flexibility in its bowling strategy. During the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan relied heavily on spin in several matches.
In the high-profile clash against India, Pakistan even used six different spinners who delivered 18 of the team’s 20 overs, demonstrating how strongly the team leaned on spin. Reports also noted that more than three-quarters of Pakistan’s deliveries in the competition were spin.
Despite that recent reliance on spin in T20 cricket, Shaheen Afridi suggested that Pakistan will not abandon its identity as a pace-driven team. According to him, fast bowlers will continue to lead the attack while spinners provide support depending on pitch conditions.
During the same press conference, Afridi also confirmed that three players will make their ODI debuts in the opening match. Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain have been selected to play their first international ODI for Pakistan.
Pakistan is currently preparing for the first ODI of their three-match series against Bangladesh, which will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, March 11.
