Former Pakistan cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja criticized Shaheen Afridi during the ongoing first Test match against Bangladesh. While commentating on air, Ramiz Raja questioned the fast bowler’s reduced pace, and he looked more like a medium pacer when compared to the Bangladesh bowlers.
The Shan Masood-led Pakistan national cricket team won the toss and elected to bowl first against the Bangladesh national cricket team in the opening match of the two-Test series at Shere Bangla National Stadium on Friday, May 7. The match is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Shaheen Afridi Has Looked Like a Medium Pacer - Ramiz Raja
During the live commentary broadcast, Ramiz Raja expressed disappointment with the pace shown by Pakistan’s bowling attack. He compared them to Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana and criticized Shaheen Afridi for not bowling with enough pace during his opening spell.
“We don't have pacers like Nahid Rana. We have medium pacers. Shaheen Afridi so far has looked like a medium pacer,” Ramiz Raja said during the live broadcast.
🚨Ramiz Raja said🗣️, "We don't have pacers like Nahid Rana, We have medium pacers. Shaheen Afridi so far has looked like a medium pacer"
— SheR•ALI (@Sher__Ali) May 8, 2026
- Next Ball Catch dropped in Shaheen's over😭 pic.twitter.com/qNQ1xEW4eJ
Interestingly, on the very next delivery after the remark, Afridi managed to produce an outside edge from the batter. However, Pakistan failed to capitalize on the opportunity as the catch was dropped by the fielder, denying the fast bowler an immediate wicket.
Shaheen Afridi Strikes In Opening Session On Day 1 Against Bangladesh
Shan Masood explained his decision to bowl first by pointing to the visible grass on the pitch in Dhaka. Despite the earlier dropped catch, Shaheen Afridi eventually provided Pakistan with the first breakthrough by dismissing Mahmudul Hasan Joy for eight runs, with Mohammad Rizwan taking the catch behind the stumps.
Hasan Ali picked up the second wicket after removing Shadman Islam for 13 runs, caught by Salman Ali Agha. At the end of the opening session, the Bangladesh national cricket team reached 101/2 in 26 overs, with Mominul Haque unbeaten on 31 and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto batting on 39.
Babar Azam Ruled Out Following Pain in His Left Knee
The visitors were forced into a late change after Babar Azam experienced pain in his left knee on Thursday night. Pakistan responded by handing Test debuts to Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal for the opening match in Dhaka.
The pace attack for the first Test features Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Abbas, while spinner Sajid Khan missed out on selection.
Pakistan entered the series looking for redemption after Bangladesh completed a historic 2-0 Test series sweep in Rawalpindi during 2024. Bangladesh also went with a three-seam attack featuring Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain, and returning pacer Taskin Ahmed, who played his last Test in late 2024.
Bangladesh Playing XI: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain
Pakistan Playing XI: Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Fazal, Shan Masood (capt), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Noman Ali, Hassan Ali, Muhammad Abbas
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