USA vs PAK: “Look at India..." - Rashid Latif raises concerns over Pakistan's bowling attack and fitness levels

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif raised alarms about the recurring injuries plaguing the bowling attack, as concerns over the fitness levels of bowlers have resurfaced ahead of their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 opener against the USA.

Latif highlighted the persistent issue of injuries among bowlers like Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan, and the latest addition to the list is Imad Wasim, who has been sidelined due to an injury from Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 opener against the USA on Thursday, June 6.

Rashid Latif highlights Pakistan bowlers' fitness woes ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 clash against the USA

Comparing the current crop of Pakistani bowlers to bowling legends like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Mohammad Asif, Latif emphasized that there is a huge difference in fitness levels. The former wicketkeeper further noted that the former greats maintained exceptional fitness standards and rarely missed matches, even across multiple formats.

He said that the current players could not maintain their fitness level despite playing the shorter format of the game. Latif also blamed the poor fitness level for the injuries to the Pakistan bowlers.

Notably, Naseem missed the 2023 ODI World Cup due to his shoulder injury. Now, Rauf is coming into the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 after recovering from a dislocated shoulder injury.

Rashid Latif was quoted as saying by PTI: “A lot of bowlers like Shaheen, Naseem, Rauf, Shadab came back from injury and now Imad Wasim is injured. The biggest issue has been the fitness of the bowlers. Former greats like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Mohammad Asif were way fitter than them and never used to miss any Tests or ODIs. But these guys, despite playing shorter formats, don't have adequate fitness.”

Rashid Latif questions Pakistan’s selection of bowlers for T20 World Cup 2024

The cricket expert also questioned Pakistan’s selection of bowlers, saying they don’t have any bowlers who can bowl in the middle overs in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

Latif noted: “They bring back Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim. Earlier when these two bowlers used to play for Pakistan and in the PSL, they used to bowl the early overs between 1-4. Now, Rauf and Shaheen perform the same role, if you have four bowlers with the same role, who will bowl in the middle overs?”

Latif cited the example of India’s bowling attack for the T20 World Cup 2024, saying the Men in Blue have the complete package and Pakistan don’t even have covers if someone had a bad day on the field in the ongoing 20-team tournament.

He signed off by saying, “Look at India, they have got Kuldeep, Axar, Jadeja and Chahal who can bowl in the middle and also the early overs. Pakistan couldn't develop Abrar Ahmed much. If Shadab Khan goes for runs in the middle overs, Pakistan doesn't have a lot of cover.”

Recently, Latif slammed the Pakistan team for hosting a private dinner party for fans in the USA. He revealed that fans were allowed to meet the Pakistani players if they paid the fee of 25 US dollars.