Moeen Ali dismisses Pakistan's pacers as 'best' in Champions Trophy

English all-rounder Moeen Ali has refused to acknowledge Pakistan's current fast bowlers as the "best" following their disappointing performances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

Speaking on a podcast with fellow English cricketer Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali said that people of Pakistani origin often believe their team has the "best seamers," but he disagrees.

He said, "Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf are good bowlers, but they are not the best. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying they are bad, but they don't have the qualities that would make them the best."

Moeen's comments come at a time when Pakistan's pacers have been under heavy criticism from former cricketers due to their poor performances in the tournament.

During Pakistan's two Champions Trophy matches, Shaheen Afridi managed only two wickets in 18 overs, conceding 140 runs at an economy rate of 8. Naseem Shah also took just two wickets in 18 overs, giving away 104 runs. Haris Rauf was Pakistan's most expensive bowler, taking two wickets in 17 overs while conceding 135 runs at an economy rate of 9.

Pakistan's pace attack has been heavily scrutinized, and Moeen Ali's remarks have only fueled the debate on whether they truly deserve to be called the best.