'Shaheen, Naseem not fit for Test cricket,' claims former Pakistan wicketkeeper

KARACHI: Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Atiq-uz-Zaman has questioned the red-ball credentials of fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, arguing that neither currently possesses the stamina and consistency required to succeed in Test cricket.

Speaking during a recent interview on a local sports platform, Atiq stressed that successful Test fast bowlers must be capable of maintaining their pace and intensity across multiple spells in a day's play.

"I think Shaheen Afridi is not fit for Test cricket, and the same applies to Naseem Shah. To succeed in Test cricket, you have to be able 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 should temporarily step away from international red-ball cricket and focus on regaining his rhythm through domestic cricket and structured training at the National Cricket Academy.

The 50-year-old believes the left-arm pacer would benefit from addressing technical and fitness-related aspects before making a return to the Test side.

"Shaheen has obviously lost his rhythm. He needs to play domestic cricket, work at the National Cricket Academy, come back stronger, and then focus on the areas where he needs to improve," he added.

Naseem has represented Pakistan in 20 Test matches, 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 during Pakistan's tour of South Africa in 2024.

Shaheen, who made his Test debut in December 2018, has played 34 Tests for Pakistan, claiming 126 wickets at an average of 28.13. He has conceded 3,545 runs in 1,114 overs.

Meanwhile, Pakistan have returned to international action after a break of more than 50 days and are currently in the West Indies for a two-match Test series.

Pakistan sit at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings with four points and a points percentage of 8.33 after winning one and losing three of their 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 25-29 July, while the second will take place from 2-6 August.