'Confidence is growing': Pakistan coach issues warning as Shaheen Afridi nears top gear for Asia Cup 2025

Pakistan bowling coach Ashley Noffke has issued a timely warning to opposition batters, declaring that left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi is close to rediscovering his lethal best ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup.Afridi, 25, has endured a difficult phase since battling a back injury in 2023, which saw him lose pace and consistency. He was even left out of Pakistan’s recent three-match T20I series in Bangladesh. However, Noffke believes the spearhead is now regaining rhythm and edging closer to peak form.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“In terms of pace, he is aware it has dropped and he has experienced a dip in form,” Noffke admitted. “Recovering pace takes time, but we’re building nicely now. We’ve started seeing more balls in the 140km/h range during the West Indies series. He’s definitely on his way back and his confidence is growing.”Afridi showed glimpses of his fiery best during Pakistan’s white-ball matches against the West Indies earlier this month, and the bowling coach feels it is only a matter of time before he consistently hits speeds close to 150km/h.“There’s a bit of technique, mindset and a good release point involved, all of which are crucial for bowlers presenting their best,” Noffke explained.The pacer will next feature in a tri-series involving Pakistan, UAE, and Afghanistan, before taking centre stage at the Asia Cup starting September 9. With a T20 World Cup also on the horizon next year, Afridi’s form will be vital to Pakistan’s chances.Highlighting his new-ball threat, Noffke added: “We want him to consistently challenge the stumps. We’ve seen how dangerous he is when the ball swings into the right-hander, and he’s been working heavily on that lately.”