Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan’s pace spearhead, Shaheen Shah Afridi, is slowly but surely finding his rhythm again, according to national bowling coach Ashley Noffke. After enduring a difficult phase due to a recurring back problem, Afridi is now on the cusp of returning to his fiery best — just in time for a crucial few months of international cricket.
Afridi’s Struggles with Injury and Form
The past two years haven’t been smooth for Afridi. Since his back injury in 2023, Pakistan’s premier left-arm quick has had to manage both fitness and confidence. At times, his bowling lacked the same venom that once made him one of the most feared new-ball bowlers in the world.
This dip in form even saw him excluded from Pakistan’s T20I squad for the Bangladesh series, a decision that raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. For a bowler who built his reputation on express pace and deadly swing, dropping down from the 150 km/h bracket to the low 130s was a cause for concern.
However, Afridi’s resilience was on display earlier this month against the West Indies, where he began to show signs of his old self. His rhythm looked smoother, and the speed gun started flashing numbers that suggested the fire was coming back.
Coach Ashley Noffke’s Optimism
Pakistan’s bowling coach Ashley Noffke has been closely monitoring Afridi’s progress and remains confident that the left-armer is moving in the right direction.
“In terms of pace, he is aware it has dropped and he has experienced a dip in form,” Noffke explained. “Recovering pace takes time, but we’re building nicely now. We’ve started seeing more balls in the 140km/h range during the West Indies series. He’s definitely on his way back and his confidence is growing.”
Noffke also highlighted the importance of technical adjustments and mindset. According to him, Afridi’s progress is not just about raw pace but also about regaining the right release point and mental clarity that allow a fast bowler to dominate.
Why Afridi’s Role Is Crucial
Shaheen Afridi isn’t just another fast bowler in Pakistan’s lineup — he is the heartbeat of their attack. His ability to swing the new ball at high speeds makes him invaluable, particularly in T20 cricket where early wickets often decide the outcome.
- New Ball Threat: Afridi has a reputation for striking in his very first over. Fans still remember his iconic spell against India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he removed both Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul with devastating inswingers.
- Pace + Swing Combination: Few bowlers in the modern game can consistently generate swing above 140 km/h. Afridi’s revival in this department could make Pakistan’s bowling attack one of the most dangerous in the upcoming Asia Cup.
- Tournament Context: With the Asia Cup starting on September 9 in the UAE, Afridi’s form could determine whether Pakistan progresses deep into the tournament.
Looking Ahead: Asia Cup and Beyond
The immediate challenge for Afridi will be the tri-series in the UAE featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the hosts. This will serve as a vital testing ground before the high-stakes Asia Cup.
Following that, the left-arm quick will be expected to play a central role in Pakistan’s campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where the team will aim to capture their second title. Noffke emphasized that Afridi has been putting in extra work to refine his swing bowling, a skill that could prove decisive in global tournaments.
“I think swing can be influenced by the environment and conditions on the day. The ball sometimes swings and sometimes doesn’t,” Noffke noted. “From my perspective, he (Afridi) won’t swing the ball every game, but we want him to work on that ability to swing the ball.”
Expert Analysis: Can Afridi Return to His Peak?
Cricket experts believe Afridi’s gradual comeback is a positive sign not just for Pakistan, but also for international cricket, which thrives when marquee players are at their best.
- Workload Management: Afridi will need careful handling. Pakistan has often leaned too heavily on him, leading to long spells of overuse. A more strategic rotation policy could prolong his career.
- Technical Refinements: Noffke’s emphasis on release points and mindset suggests Afridi is not only focusing on physical recovery but also fine-tuning his craft. If successful, he could add even more consistency to his natural talent.
- Comparison with Peers: Bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer have faced similar injury setbacks. Both needed time to rebuild rhythm and pace. Afridi appears to be on a similar path, where patience and steady improvement matter more than quick fixes.
Final Thoughts
Shaheen Afridi’s resurgence is one of the biggest storylines heading into the Asia Cup 2025. While questions remain about whether he can rediscover his full pace and swing, his recent progress provides Pakistan with renewed hope.
With Ashley Noffke backing his recovery and Afridi showing determination to return to his best, Pakistan fans can be optimistic. A fit and firing Shaheen Afridi is not just good news for Pakistan cricket — it’s a thrilling prospect for the global game.
