Former Pakistan cricketer and ex-PCB chair Ramiz Raja feels the reputation of Pakistan’s fast bowling has deteriorated, with their downfall starting from the massive Super Fours defeat against India during last year’s Asia Cup. Raja shared his views after Pakistan lost the first Test against Bangladesh on Sunday (August 25) in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan succumbed to a a first ever defeat against Bangladesh, by 10 wickets in the first Test of the two-match series, in Rawalpindi. What made the loss even more humiliating was that Pakistan declared at 448-6 in the first innings, and after the fourth day of play, a certain draw was on the cards on a pitch which had little to offer for the bowlers.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ramiz didn’t mince his words while criticising the hosts on the loss. He also questioned Pakistan’s decision to go with an all-pace attack as Bangladesh batted for 167.3 overs to rack up 565 in their first innings, raising doubts over the team selection. He also opined that Pakistan’s current crop of fast bowlers is not up to mark.
"Firstly, there was a mistake in team selection. You were without a spinner. Secondly, the reputation based on which we rely on our fast bowlers is finished. This debacle, a sort of a confidence crisis, started during the Asia Cup when India bashed our pacers on seaming conditions and then the secret was out to the world that the only way to counter this line-up was to attack," said Ramiz. "Their speeds have decreased, and so have their skill set."
During the 2023 Asia Cup, India scored 356-2, courtesy of massive hundreds from Virat Kohli (122 not out off 94 balls) and KL Rahul (111 not out off 106). In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 128, suffering their heaviest ODI defeat against India.
Ramiz added: "The Bangladesh fast bowlers seemed more penetrative, while our bowlers were involved more in enjoying the dismissals and creating drama around them rather than impressing with their performances. The speeds of Pakistan's fast bowlers are less. If you don’t have an out-and-out fast bowler on this pitch and only have one-dimensional 125 to 135 kmph pacers, a batting line-up like Bangladesh will stand tall against you."
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Pakistan succumbed to a a first ever defeat against Bangladesh, by 10 wickets in the first Test of the two-match series, in Rawalpindi. What made the loss even more humiliating was that Pakistan declared at 448-6 in the first innings, and after the fourth day of play, a certain draw was on the cards on a pitch which had little to offer for the bowlers.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ramiz didn’t mince his words while criticising the hosts on the loss. He also questioned Pakistan’s decision to go with an all-pace attack as Bangladesh batted for 167.3 overs to rack up 565 in their first innings, raising doubts over the team selection. He also opined that Pakistan’s current crop of fast bowlers is not up to mark.
"Firstly, there was a mistake in team selection. You were without a spinner. Secondly, the reputation based on which we rely on our fast bowlers is finished. This debacle, a sort of a confidence crisis, started during the Asia Cup when India bashed our pacers on seaming conditions and then the secret was out to the world that the only way to counter this line-up was to attack," said Ramiz. "Their speeds have decreased, and so have their skill set."
During the 2023 Asia Cup, India scored 356-2, courtesy of massive hundreds from Virat Kohli (122 not out off 94 balls) and KL Rahul (111 not out off 106). In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 128, suffering their heaviest ODI defeat against India.
Ramiz added: "The Bangladesh fast bowlers seemed more penetrative, while our bowlers were involved more in enjoying the dismissals and creating drama around them rather than impressing with their performances. The speeds of Pakistan's fast bowlers are less. If you don’t have an out-and-out fast bowler on this pitch and only have one-dimensional 125 to 135 kmph pacers, a batting line-up like Bangladesh will stand tall against you."

Ramiz Raja: Asia Cup Thrashing Against India Started The Downfall Of Pakistani Fast Bowlers
Former Pakistan cricketer and PCB chair Ramiz Raja feels the reputation of Pakistan’s fast bowling has deteriorated, with their downfall starting from the massive Super Fours defeat against India during last year’s Asia Cup. Read more.
