Pakistan’s bowling coach Ashley Noffke has expressed strong confidence that Shaheen Afridi is steadily building momentum and edging closer to his best form ahead of a crucial cricketing phase.
With the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Afridi is being closely monitored by the coaching staff as he works toward hitting peak performance.
Noffke highlighted that Afridi, who endured a difficult spell following a back injury in 2023, has shown encouraging signs of recovery. Although the left-arm pacer was recently rested from Pakistan’s three-match T20I series in Bangladesh, his performances during the white-ball series against the West Indies earlier this month suggested a promising return to form.
“In terms of raw pace, Afridi understands that his speed had dipped slightly due to injury and lack of match rhythm,” Noffke explained. “But during the West Indies series, we saw deliveries regularly in the 140 km/h range. That shows he is regaining his pace and confidence step by step.”
The coaching team is focused on fine-tuning Afridi’s technique and release point while helping him rebuild the mindset required to bowl at his devastating best. Noffke believes this approach will prepare him not only for the upcoming tri-series in the UAE—featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the hosts—but also for the high-pressure stages of the Asia Cup beginning September 9.
Afridi’s role will be even more crucial as Pakistan eyes its second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in 2026. Noffke noted that the pacer has been putting significant effort into mastering swing with the new ball. “Swing is influenced by conditions, but Afridi is working on ensuring he can make the ball move consistently, whether in or out, to keep batters guessing. When he swings the ball into the right-hander at pace, he is one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket,” Noffke added.
With growing momentum, improved fitness, and technical adjustments, Afridi appears poised to lead Pakistan’s bowling attack with renewed intensity in the months ahead.