Former cricketer Urooj Mumtaz has raised concerns about Pakistan’s declining fast-bowling strength. She linked the issue to domestic pitch conditions and preparation.
Speaking during a discussion with Michael Atherton, Mumtaz addressed Pakistan’s fading pace threat. She argued that pitch preparation has played a major role.
According to Urooj Mumtaz, Pakistan has traditionally been known for producing quality fast bowlers. However, she believes that strength has weakened in recent years.
She pointed to England’s tours of Pakistan as examples of the problem. She said domestic pitches have increasingly favoured batters over fast bowlers.
Mumtaz also linked the shift to the captaincy period of Babar Azam. She claimed batters wanted flatter pitches during that period.
According to her, those conditions reduced the assistance available to fast bowlers. She said the issue also affected Pakistan’s first-class cricket structure.
Mumtaz noted that grass is often removed from domestic pitches. This creates more batting-friendly surfaces and allows batters to score more freely.
She argued that such conditions provide limited assistance to pace bowlers. This can reduce the challenges they face while developing their skills.
The former cricketer also discussed the impact on individual bowlers. She highlighted Shaheen Shah Afridi as an example.
Afridi emerged as one of Pakistan’s most promising young fast bowlers. However, a serious knee injury interrupted his progress.
Before the injury, Afridi had taken 99 wickets at an average of 24.86. His performances made him a key part of Pakistan’s bowling attack.
His numbers declined after returning from injury. His next 27 wickets reportedly came at an average above 40.
Afridi has also been dropped from the playing XI several times. His recent absence included Pakistan’s series against Bangladesh.
Urooj Mumtaz also discussed other members of Pakistan’s pace attack. She questioned the current availability and performance of Naseem Shah.
She also noted that Haris Rauf has lost some pace compared with his earlier years. Mumtaz suggested that fast bowlers need greater support.
She identified Ubaid Shah as Pakistan’s quickest current bowler. According to her, he reaches speeds of around 140 kilometres per hour.
Pakistan’s recent performances have highlighted concerns about its pace attack. The team was dismissed for 171 during the first Test against England at Leeds.
Pakistan has also struggled against fast bowling during recent matches. During the Bangladesh tour, the hosts produced higher bowling speeds.
Bangladesh’s fast bowlers reportedly operated between the high 130s and mid-140s. Pakistan’s bowlers generally remained between the mid-120s and early 130s.
The series ended with Bangladesh securing a 2-0 victory. The results added further focus on Pakistan’s bowling performance.
The comments by Urooj Mumtaz have renewed debate about Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure. Pitch preparation remains an important part of that discussion.
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The former cricketer’s assessment suggests that fast-bowling development requires suitable playing conditions. It also highlights the need for bowlers to receive greater support during their development.
