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 low pace and said he looked like a medium pacer compared to Bangladesh’s bowlers.
Shan Masood-led Pakistan national cricket team won the toss and elected to bowl first against Bangladesh national cricket team in the opening match of the two-Test series at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Friday, May 7. The match is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.
Shaheen Afridi looks like a medium pacer – Ramiz Raja
During the live commentary broadcast, Ramiz Raja expressed his disappointment at the pace shown by Pakistan’s bowling attack. He compared him to Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana and criticized Shaheen Afridi for not bowling with enough pace during his opening spells.
“We don’t have fast bowlers like Nahid Rana. We have medium pacers. Shaheen Afridi has looked like a medium pacer so far,” Ramiz Raja said during the live broadcast.
🚨Ramiz Raja said🗣️, “We don’t have fast bowlers like Nahid Rana, we have medium fast bowlers. Shaheen Afridi has looked like a medium fast bowler so far”
– Shaheen missed the catch in the next ball over. pic.twitter.com/qNQ1xEW4eJ
– SherAli (@Sher__Ali) 8 May 2026
Interestingly, after the comment, Afridi managed to take an outside edge from the batsman on the very next ball. However, Pakistan failed to capitalize on the opportunity as the fielder dropped the catch, denying the fast bowler an immediate wicket.
Shaheen Afridi performed strongly in the opening session on the first day against Bangladesh
Shan Masood explained his decision to bowl first by pointing towards the grass visible on the Dhaka pitch. Despite a dropped catch earlier, Shaheen Afridi eventually gave Pakistan its first breakthrough by dismissing Mahmudul Hasan Joy for eight, while Mohammad Rizwan was caught behind the stumps.
Hasan Ali took the second wicket by getting Shadman Islam caught by Salman Ali Agha on 13 runs. At the end of the opening session, the Bangladesh national cricket team reached 101/2 in 26 overs, with Mominul Haq remaining unbeaten on 31 and captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto batting on 39.
Babar Azam ruled out due to pain in his left knee
The visitors were forced to make a late change on Thursday night after Babar Azam suffered a left knee injury. 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 includes Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali and Mohammad Abbas, while spinner Sajid Khan missed out on selection.
Pakistan enter the series looking for redemption after Bangladesh won a historic 2-0 Test series in Rawalpindi during 2024. Bangladesh also went with a three-seam attack, comprising Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain and returning fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who played his last Test in late 2024.
Bangladesh Playing XI: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haq, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das (wicketkeeper), Mehdi Hasan Miraj, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain.
Pakistan Playing XI: Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Fazal, Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Aga, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Noman Ali, Hasan Ali, Muhammad Abbas
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