Former Pakistan fast bowler Usman Shinwari said it was 'unfortunate' that fast bowling in Pakistan was judged mainly by pace, adding that the team had wasted three prime years of Pakistan's ace bowler Mohammad Abbas by giving greater importance to pace than bowling prowess.
Shinwari recalled Abbas's performance in the first Test against the West Indies at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, where he took eight wickets while bowling at between 120kph and 125kph.
Usman Shinwari on how Pakistan lost three prime years of Mohammad Abbas by prioritising pace over skill! pic.twitter.com/KI2A39C5DG
— PakPassion.net (@PakPassion) August 9, 2026
He said pace was necessary but did not carry as much importance as Pakistan had made it out to be.
"Line and length matter a lot in Test cricket and consistency is very important in this format," Shinwari said.
Speaking about fast bowler Ihsanullah, Shinwari said he needed to work on his discipline. He said discipline was not the only factor in becoming a good cricketer, as a player's lifestyle throughout the 24 hours also mattered.
Shinwari acknowledged Ihsanullah's pace but said he could return to the Pakistan team if he worked on his discipline.
