Waqar Younis explains why contemporary fast bowlers are losing speed

Waqar Younis, the legendary Pakistani fast‑bowling legend, shared his observations on the declining pace of today’s quicks during a recent interview with The Indian Express. He noted that contemporary bowlers often prioritize variations such as slower balls and cutters, which can dilute the focus on raw speed.

The former strike bowler highlighted that modern training regimens place greater emphasis on injury prevention and workload management, resulting in shorter spell lengths and reduced opportunities to build sustained momentum. He added that flatter, batsman‑friendly pitches across many venues further limit the natural assistance bowlers once received.

Younis also pointed to the evolution of equipment and the rise of analytics, which encourage bowlers to adapt their styles for consistency rather than outright speed. While he praised the skill set of today’s pacers, he warned that without a balanced approach, the art of genuine fast bowling could continue to wane.