Fast bowlers who once regularly clocked 150 km/h often lose some of their speed after a few years at the international level. Instead of relying primarily on raw pace, they gradually turn to slower balls, yorkers and other variations.

According to Pakistan pace legend Waqar Younis, the decline is closely linked to the changing nature of cricket, increasing workloads, the pressure of T20 cricket and, importantly, a change in bowlers’ mindset. He discussed the issue on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast.

Modern Bowlers Have Less Time to Prepare

During Younis’ playing days, Test cricket was the highest priority, followed by ODI cricket. Fast bowlers therefore had more time to prepare and recover.

The modern game is very different. International cricket now overlaps with franchise leagues around the world, leaving bowlers with less time for structured preparation and recovery. Younis highlighted the absence of T20 cricket during his playing era as one of the major differences.

Four T20 Overs Can Be More Mentally Demanding Than 10 ODI Overs

Younis does not believe that simply playing more matches explains the decline in pace. He also pointed to the intense pressure created by T20 cricket.

Four overs may look short, but almost every delivery can put the bowler under attack. A couple of boundaries can quickly change the match—and also the bowler’s mindset.

Younis believes bowling four overs in T20 cricket can sometimes be more mentally demanding than bowling a continuous 10-over spell in an ODI because the pressure on every delivery is so intense.

‘Once Survival Becomes the Focus, 150 km/h Is Gone’

For Younis, the biggest issue is what happens mentally to a fast bowler.

A young bowler may initially arrive on the international stage capable of bowling at 150 km/h. But over time, he must learn how to survive against increasingly aggressive batters. Slower balls, wide yorkers and different variations become important parts of his arsenal.

The problem begins when the focus shifts from taking wickets to simply preventing runs or surviving the batter’s attack.

Younis explained that once the thought of survival enters a bowler’s mind, the 150 km/h pace can disappear.

Bowlers Must Remain in Control

Younis believes a bowler operating at 150 km/h must remain in control rather than allowing the batter to dictate the contest.

Modern batters are more aggressive, while improved bats and batting-friendly conditions can make it harder for fast bowlers to maintain that control. When a batter hits two boundaries, the bowler’s mindset can change almost immediately, according to Younis.

Waqar Wants Separate Test Bowling Units

Younis believes cricket boards also have a responsibility to protect fast bowlers and preserve their pace.

He suggested creating specialist Test bowling units that can focus specifically on the demands of long-format cricket. These bowlers should regularly play four-day or other long-format domestic cricket, allowing them to build the capacity to bowl 20 to 25 overs a day while maintaining high pace.

He cited England’s approach and said Australia has also moved partly in that direction.

Long-Format Cricket Could Help Preserve Pace

According to Younis, Test cricket gives fast bowlers a different environment from T20 cricket. There is less pressure to attack every single delivery, allowing bowlers to maintain their natural pace and control.

However, if a bowler spends too much time playing T20 cricket, the survival mindset developed there can carry into Test cricket. Instead of thinking about attacking the batter, the bowler may become more focused on preventing boundaries—which can ultimately affect his natural speed.

Younis’ broader point is that pace is not purely a physical attribute. Preparation, workload, bowling strategy and mindset all play a role. To preserve genuine fast bowling, modern cricket needs better workload management and dedicated preparation for long-format specialists.