KARACHI: Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Atiq-uz-Zaman has questioned the red-ball credentials of pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, arguing that both currently lack the stamina and consistency required to succeed in Test cricket.
Speaking during a recent interview at a local sports forum, Adhik emphasized that successful Test fast bowlers must be capable of maintaining their speed and intensity over multiple spells in a one-day game.
“I think Shaheen Afridi is not fit for Test cricket and the same goes for Naseem Shah. To succeed in Test cricket, you have to bowl three spells in a day at the same pace,” Zaman said.
The former wicketkeeper, who represented Pakistan in one Test and three ODIs, suggested that Shaheen take a temporary break from international red-ball cricket and focus on getting back into his rhythm through structured training at domestic cricket and the National Cricket Academy.
The 50-year-old believes the left-arm fast bowler will benefit from taking care of the technical and fitness aspects before turning to the Test side.
“Shaheen has obviously lost his rhythm. He needs to play domestic cricket, work at the National Cricket Academy, come back strong and then focus on the areas where he needs to improve,” he added.
Naseem has represented Pakistan in 20 Tests, taking 60 wickets at an average of 31.20 and an economy rate of 3.70. The 22-year-old last featured in a Test in 2024 during Pakistan’s tour of South Africa.
Shaheen, who made his Test debut in December 2018, has played 34 Tests for Pakistan and has taken 126 wickets at an average of 28.13. He has conceded 3,545 runs in 1,114 overs.
Meanwhile, Pakistan are back in international action after a gap of over 50 days and are currently in the West Indies for a two-match Test series.
Pakistan are at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings with four points and a points percentage of 8.33 after one win and three losses from the opening four matches.
The two-match Test series against the West Indies will be played in Trinidad and Tobago. The opening Test is scheduled from July 25-29, while the second match will be played from August 2-6.