Former Pakistani cricketer Abdur Rauf has raised serious concerns about the state of Pakistan’s fast bowling, saying none of the bowlers can play even five consecutive first-class matches.

 

Rauf, while speaking on a TV programme alongside Mohammad Amir and Ahmed Shehzad, emphasised the importance of regular first-class cricket and criticised the national side’s fast bowlers for their lack of consistency.

 

“You see, this fast bowler, after returning from injury, hasn’t been able to play regular first-class cricket. You cannot consider him a class player until he consistently plays first-class matches throughout the season,” he said.

 

Rauf added that injuries and biomechanical issues have prevented Pakistani bowlers from sustaining long spells of competitive cricket. “Not even a single bowler in the team can play five consecutive first-class matches. On the other hand, Mitchell Starc has played five Tests in Australia continuously.”

 

Once known as the land of fast bowlers, Pakistan is currently struggling to produce talents like Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram.

 

Pakistan’s performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup has also been below expectations.

 

Its hopes of reaching the semi-finals now depends on several conditions. In Group B, England has already secured a semi-final spot, while New Zealand has three points and Pakistan has one, with one match remaining for both teams.

 

If New Zealand loses to England tomorrow, Pakistan must beat Sri Lanka on February 28. If both Pakistan and New Zealand end up with three points each, the semi-final spot will be decided on Net Run Rate (NRR).