The lineage of Pakistan’s fast bowling, a source of national pride and global awe, has found a resonant admirer in West Indies legend Courtney Walsh. Speaking exclusively to Geo News during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he serves as a coach for the Rawalpindiz franchise, Walsh pinpointed left-arm spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi as the contemporary embodiment of the qualities that have defined generations of Pakistani quicks.
The Foundation: Conditions and Craft
When asked what sets Pakistan’s pace production line apart, Walsh pointed to a combination of conducive conditions and a deep-seated culture of skill development. “I think the conditions here,” he stated, before elaborating on the historical context. “You have to have good skill sets, and you’ve got quality bowlers here from over the years. I mean, you go back, way back, from Sarfraz up till now, Wasim, Waqar, those guys. All those guys have been good fast bowlers for Pakistan, and the youngsters have come on, and they’ve learned their trade as well.”
Shaheen Afridi: A Model of Discipline and Pride
At the forefront of this enduring tradition, Walsh reserves particular praise for Shaheen Afridi. The former Windies pace great highlighted attributes beyond raw pace. “Shaheen is someone who I’ve always admired, the way he conducts himself, the way he plays, he’s never given that attitude and just his own skill set and the pride that he plays when he plays for Pakistan and even in franchise cricket. And that’s what you want to see in fast bowlers, and he has all those qualities.”
While acknowledging the depth of talent, including pacers like Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr., Walsh singled out Afridi’s execution. “I’ve always singled him out for the way he executes, the way he goes about his job, keeping it simple and just trying to do the basics consistently.”
Coaching in the T20 Era: Guidance Over Drills
Walsh’s current PSL role has offered him a distinct perspective on modern coaching, especially within the compressed timeline of franchise cricket. “It’s a lot different because you don’t have as much time with the players as you have with the international side,” he explained. “You come straight into the competition, so you have to sort of hit the ground running… It’s more or less guidance and a lot more discussions than actually coaching.” Despite his team’s challenging results, he described the overall experience as positive, praising the professional environment and team atmosphere.
The Bowler’s Battle in a Batter’s Game
The evolution of T20 cricket, Walsh admits, has tilted the game in favor of batters. Yet, he finds encouragement in the adaptation of fast bowlers. “I’m happy that the quality of fast bowlers that we have on the circuit can make a name for themselves. Because, as you mentioned, T20 is a very challenging game and it’s more suited for batters. So when you have fast bowlers doing well at that, I’m very happy.” He emphasized the need for more balanced pitches to aid bowlers, noting that minimizing boundaries in today’s game is itself a critical skill that requires dedicated practice.
Test Cricket’s Challenge and Timeless Advice
Addressing the shift towards T20 specialization, Walsh offered a pragmatic view. “Some guys are just happy to play the shorter format… you get a decent paycheck, so you can’t blame the guys for wanting to do that.” He suggested that for Test cricket to compete, it must be marketed better and offer greater incentives.
For aspiring fast bowlers, however, his counsel remains classic and unwavering. “Be prepared to work hard, be disciplined, be consistent in what you want to do and practice your skill set… Nothing beats consistency, and nothing beats hard work. So once you put the work in and you’re consistent in what you want to get done, then the execution part will take care of itself.”
Spotting Future Talent and Reconnecting with Rivals
Within his own PSL squad, Walsh identified a young prospect named Raza, noting his “good raw pace and good action” while highlighting the need for improved control. Away from the field, the league has provided a welcome chance to reconnect with former Pakistani opponents like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rashid Latif, and Moin Khan, underscoring the lasting camaraderie within the cricket world.
Through Walsh’s experienced eyes, Pakistan’s pace legacy is not just preserved in history books but is actively being carried forward by a disciplined champion in Shaheen Afridi, supported by a promising new generation.
