"They're not the best," Former England all-rounder questions Pakistan pacers

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has questioned the status of Pakistan’s pace attack. His comments, made during a podcast with fellow England player Adil Rashid, have sparked widespread discussion within the cricketing community.

While acknowledging the talent of Pakistan’s seamers—Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf—Moeen expressed doubt about the claim that they are the best in the world. 

“There’s this perception, especially among people with Pakistani backgrounds, that Pakistan has the best seamers. I’m like, no. They’re good, but they’re not the best,” Moeen said.

He added, “Naseem Shah, Shaheen, and Haris Rauf are very good, don’t get me wrong. We’re not saying they’re bad, but they’re not the best either.”

Moeen’s remarks come after Pakistan’s pace trio faced challenges during the Champions Trophy 2025. Despite being highly regarded in Pakistan, their performances in the tournament raised questions about their ability to perform at the highest level. 

In the Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s fast bowlers struggled in key matches against New Zealand and India. Shaheen Afridi, in particular, had a tough time, conceding 68 runs in 10 overs against New Zealand without taking a wicket and 74 runs in eight overs against India, picking up just two wickets.

Naseem Shah had a mixed performance, taking two wickets for 63 runs in 10 overs against New Zealand but going wicketless against India, conceding 37 runs in eight overs. Haris Rauf, who was Pakistan’s most expensive bowler against New Zealand, leaked 83 runs in his 10-over spell while taking two wickets. Against India, he failed to pick up a wicket, giving away 52 runs in seven overs.