Naseem Shah Archives

Babar Azam, Naseem Shah added to Lahore Whites squad for National T20 Cup

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah have been included in the Lahore Whites squad for the upcoming National T20 Cup, scheduled to take place at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar from March 7 to 18.

The star duo were not part of the initial squad announcement but have now been drafted into the side ahead of the tournament. Both players will represent Lahore Whites under the captaincy of all-rounder Aamir Jamal.

The National T20 Cup is set to begin on Saturday, March 7, with the semi-finals scheduled for March 17 and the final to be played on March 18.

A total of 23 matches will be staged at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, which previously hosted nine Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches in October and November 2025.

The tournament will feature 10 regional teams: Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Karachi Whites, Karachi Blues, Lahore Blues, Lahore Whites, Multan and Sialkot.

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Lahore Whites have been placed in Group A alongside Peshawar, Faisalabad, Karachi Whites and Bahawalpur. Defending champions Lahore Blues headline Group B, which also includes Sialkot, Multan, Abbottabad and Karachi Blues.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. During the group stage, which runs from March 7 to 16, two matches will be played daily.

The first fixture will begin at 4:15 PM PKT, while the second match will start at 9:15 PM PKT.

Lahore Whites will open their campaign against Peshawar on the opening day of the tournament before facing Faisalabad in their second group-stage match on March 9.

Updated Lahore Whites squad: Aamir Jamal (c), Ali Raza, Ali Shahid Butt, Farhan Yousuf (U21), Babar Azam, Imran Dogar, Junaid Ali (wk), Kamran Afzal, Mohammad Faiq, Ahmed Daniyal, Mohammad Salman, Muhammad Akhlaq, Mohammad Mohsin, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Muhammad Saleem, Naseem Shah, Samama Riaz, Tayyab Tahir and Ubaid Shah.

READ: Bangladesh announce squad for Pakistan ODI series

Naseem Shah fined for ICC Code of Conduct breach

DUBAI: Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been fined 10 per cent of match fee during the International League T20 (ILT20) final played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on January 4.

According to a press release on the ILT20 website, Shah was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the final between Desert Vipers and MI Emirates.

The article relates to the use of language, actions, or gestures that could disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter following their dismissal.

“Shah was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to the use of language, actions or gestures that could disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter following their dismissal,” the press release stated.

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The incident happened during the 11th over of the match when Naseem bowled a delivery that Pollard defended.

Naseem picked up the ball and smiled at Pollard, who responded aggressively, prompting a verbal exchange between the two players.

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Pollard appeared visibly angry while exchanging words with the right-handed pacer.

The umpires, along with Vipers batter Jason Roy, intervened to break up the confrontation. Naseem was also seen firing back, leaving both players visibly upset.

However, Naseem got his revenge in the first delivery of the 16th over, dismissing Pollard, who had scored a run-a-ball 28.

The sanction was imposed by Match Referee Simon Taufel.

Nonetheless, Desert Vipers clinched their maiden ILT20 title after skittling MI Emirates for 136 in 18.3 overs.

Naseem Shah starred with the ball as he picked three wickets in his quota of four overs.

Earlier, put into bat first, Desert Vipers managed to score 182-4 in their 20 overs, courtesy of skipper Tom Curran’s 74 from 51 balls that not only lifted them out of trouble but helped them set a winning total.

READ: Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup

Gunmen open fire at Naseem Shah’s house

Unknown armed individuals fired shots at the residence of Pakistan cricketer Naseem Shah in the Mayar Area of Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during the early hours of Monday.

According to the police, five suspects have been taken into custody after assailants targeted the main gate, windows, and a parked vehicle.

“The firing damaged the main gate, windows, and a vehicle at the property. Police reached the scene, and five suspects have been taken into custody. Mayar Police Station has registered a case, and further action is underway to arrest those involved,” police said.

At the time of the incident, Naseem was not present at the residence, while other family members remained safe. Meanwhile, the authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack.

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“Mayar Police Station has registered a case, and further action is underway to arrest those involved,” the police further said.

Naseem Shah, 22, is currently in Rawalpindi with the Pakistan team, who are set to lock horns against Sri Lanka in three ODIs.

Following that, the national side will participate in a tri-nation series alongside Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan Squad

Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

Sri Lanka tour to Pakistan

11 November – First ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

13 November – Second ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

15 November – Third ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

READ: Shaheen Afridi explains Hasan Nawaz’s exclusion from Pakistan squad

Babar Azam, Naseem Shah in line for T20I return against South Africa: sources

Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah are reportedly in line for a comeback as the national selectors prepare to finalise the squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.

A source within the selection committee confirmed on Friday that no player has been ruled out of contention, stressing that all selections will be based purely on team requirements as Pakistan enter the final stretch of their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

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If included, Babar’s return will mark his first T20I appearance since the 2024 tour of South Africa, while Naseem could also feature for the first time in the shortest format since facing Australia in November last year.

The selection committee, according to the source, is focused on assembling a balanced and competitive unit that reflects both recent form and long-term planning for the global event.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

The three-match T20I series will be played between October 28 and November 1, with the opening fixture in Rawalpindi, followed by two games at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The white-ball leg will continue with a three-match ODI series in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8.

READ: AB de Villiers, Matthew Hayden back cricket’s new format ‘Test Twenty’

Desert Vipers pick Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah for mega price in ILT20

Pakistan duo Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah have been picked up for a whopping price in the inaugural auction of the International League T20 (ILT20).

The ILT20’s fourth edition is scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah will host a total of 34 matches. The six-team tournament will run from December 2 until January 4.

During the first-ever auction of the tournament, the Desert Vipers roped in Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah at their base price of $80,000, approximately PKR 23 million.

Both players were picked without competition, as most franchises in the ILT20 are owned by Indian investors.

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Fakhar was the first overseas player to be picked up in the auction. The 35-year-old will be playing for the second time with Desert Vipers in the tournament, whereas Naseem Shah will be featuring for the first time in the league.

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Among other players, UAE fast bowler Junaid Siddique attracted a massive $170,000 from Sharjah Warriors. Afghanistan’s right-arm fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq was sold to MI Emirates for $100,000.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s mystery spinner, Usman Tariq, has been selected as a wildcard by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

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However, some prominent names remained unpicked at the auction. These include former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, England’s James Anderson, Jason Roy, and India’s Ravichandran Ashwin. Moreover, Shakib Al Hasan also remained unsold in the auction.

Overall, nearly 300 players from over 20 countries are registered for the auction, including star international players, promising emerging talent, and regional players from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Pakistani Players in ILT20 2025 auction

Fakhar Zaman – $80,000

Saim Ayub – $80,000

Faheem Ashraf – $80,000

Imad Wasim – $80,000

Abdul Samad – $80,000

Naseem Shah – $80,000

Mohammad Nawaz – $80,000

Mohammad Haris – $40,000

Hassan Nawaz – $40,000

Mohammad Wasim – $40,000

Mohammad Hasnain – $40,000

Usama Mir – $40,000

Zaman Khan – $40,000

Hussain Talat – $10,000

Salman Irshad – $10,000

Sufiyan Muqeem – $10,000

READ: Marsh’s sublime knock powers Australia to victory in T20I opener

Former captain urges recall of Babar, Rizwan Naseem to Pakistan T20I side

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has urged the selectors to recall senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Naseem Shah, stressing that the national T20I side looks incomplete without them.

Speaking in an interview during the ongoing ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, Hafeez said Pakistan’s mixed results in the tournament underline the need for experienced campaigners.

“I would still say today that this team definitely needs three players: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Naseem Shah,” Hafeez remarked.

“First, they should be properly consulted, and things should be explained to them in the right way. Babar definitely has a place in this team, I’ve said it before as well, that without him, this is an incomplete team.”

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

Hafeez, who has also served as team director in the past, argued that proven performers cannot be sidelined if Pakistan are to compete with top teams.

“Babar must be in this team, Naseem Shah must also be in this team, and thirdly, since Haris has not yet been able to adjust at the international level, Rizwan should take his place,” he added.

The former all-rounder maintained that while team management is responsible for player utilization, the presence of experienced names provides the balance needed to perform under pressure.

“The way to get performances, the way to utilize players, that is for the management to decide. But if we include these three players in our team, we will have a better chance to perform in any given condition against any opposition,” Hafeez noted.

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This Asia Cup is Pakistan’s first major tournament without Babar and Rizwan, both of whom have been central figures in the T20I setup since the 2021 World Cup in the UAE

They were dropped after the South Africa series in December last year, as selectors looked to prioritize younger talent ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.

Naseem, meanwhile, has been sidelined after a dip in form. The right-arm quick has played 30 T20Is for Pakistan, taking 25 wickets at an economy of 8.01, but has been left out of the current campaign.

READ: Ronaldo calls on Carlo Ancelotti to pick Neymar for World Cup

CPL 2025: Naseem Shah, Abbas Afridi shine but Patriots fall to Warriors

BASSETERRE: Pakistani pacer Naseem Shah and all-rounder Abbas Afridi impressed with the ball, but their efforts went unrewarded as the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots faltered in their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 clash against the Guyana Amazon Warriors on Friday.

After opting to bowl first, Warriors’ skipper Imran Tahir restricted the Patriots to 153/8 in 20 overs.

Opener Andre Fletcher led the charge with a brisk 60 off 41 balls, featuring five sixes and a four, while Jyd Goolie chipped in with 24 off 15.

However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled, with only Rilee Rossouw (12) and Abbas Afridi (10) managing double figures.

Dwaine Pretorius spearheaded the bowling with 3/43, while Tahir claimed 2/29 in his four-over spell, which also included a maiden.

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Shamar Joseph, Romario Shepherd, and Gudakesh Motie took a wicket apiece.

In reply, the Warriors made light work of the chase, overhauling the target in 17.2 overs with five wickets to spare.

Opener Ben McDermott blazed 75 off 39 balls, hammering 10 fours and four sixes, before Shai Hope (56 off 39) sealed the win with authority.

For the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Abbas Afridi returned figures of 2/24 from his two overs, while Naseem Shah impressed with 1/19 in three.

Fazalhaq Farooqi and Waqar Salamkheil picked up a wicket each, but the combined effort could not prevent defeat in their second clash in the CPL 2025.

READ: Shahid Afridi among nine sporting figures named for civil awards recognition

Pakistan’s star fast bowler joins St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots for CPL 2025

Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah has joined the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots for the 2025 edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), replacing South Africa’s Corbin Bosch in the squad.

The CPL’s 13th season will kick off on August 14, 2025, with the Patriots opening the tournament against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons.

Naseem, who last featured in the CPL in 2021 for the same franchise, played a key role in their title-winning campaign.

He picked up six wickets in seven matches that season, maintaining an economy of 7.68. His 2-26 in the final was a standout effort as the Patriots lifted their maiden CPL trophy.

Over the years, Naseem Shah has gained considerable experience in franchise cricket, having appeared in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

However, his availability for this year’s CPL remains uncertain due to Pakistan’s packed international calendar.

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The national team is scheduled to tour the West Indies for white-ball fixtures, take part in a tri-nation series with Afghanistan and the UAE, and then gear up for the Asia Cup 2025 in September.

Besides Naseem Shah, four more Pakistani cricketers are set to feature in the CPL 2025.

Veteran left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir has been picked by Trinbago Knight Riders, his fourth team in the CPL since 2021. Amir has already played 39 matches in the tournament, bagging 51 wickets at an average of 18.09.

Spin bowler Usman Tariq, who impressed in PSL 2024 and 2025, is set to make his CPL debut for the Knight Riders.

Meanwhile, All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz will also be turning out for the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, making his first appearance in the league.

Imad Wasim returns to Antigua and Barbuda Falcons after being released and later re-signed by the franchise ahead of the players’ draft.

Pakistan players to feature in CPL 2025

Naseem Shah, Mohammad Nawaz (St Kitts and Nevis Patriots), Imad Wasim (Antigua and Barbuda Falcons), Mohammad Amir and Usman Tariq (Trinbago Knight Riders).

READ: Former captain lauds Sahibzada Farhan’s ‘body language’ against Bangladesh

Former pacer questions Naseem Shah’s place in Pakistan white-ball team

Former Test pacer Tanvir Ahmed has come down hard on the selection committee for picking Naseem Shah in the national squad despite his lacklustre performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

In a recent interview on a local sports platform, Tanvir didn’t mince his words when scrutinising Naseem’s selection for the T20I series against Bangladesh, a series in which the pacer didn’t even play a single game.

“If you picked Naseem Shah for the Bangladesh series and didn’t play him, then why was he picked?” Tanvir asked.

“His performance in the PSL was completely poor. Just look at his fitness level, his run-up while running, and his energy. He’s not even putting in any effort. He has injury issues, so how did he make it into the team?”

Tanvir Ahmed also hinted at potential favouritism, suggesting Naseem’s association with Islamabad United may have influenced the decision-makers.

“That’s why people are talking — saying it’s Islamabad United’s influence,” he said.

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“When your head coach and other selected players are also linked to the same franchise, then questions will naturally be raised.”

He further pointed out how consistent performers like Mir Hamza and Mohammad Abbas Afridi were overlooked, despite being in top form.

“On merit, Naseem Shah doesn’t deserve to be in the team right now,” Tanvir Ahmed asserted.

“In the PSL, Mir Hamza was performing really well, so why wasn’t he selected? Abbas Afridi was ignored too, and only brought in when Wasim Jr got injured.”

For the unversed, Naseem Shah had a modest PSL 10 campaign, managing just nine wickets in 10 matches with an economy rate of 9.30.

READ: Jason Gillespie comments on Mike Hesson’s appointment as Pakistan head coach

Naseem Shah creates history in second ODI against New Zealand

HAMILTON: Pakistan pace bowler Naseem Shah etched his name in the record books with his gutsy batting performance during the second ODI against New Zealand here at Seddon Park on Wednesday.

Despite Pakistan’s batting struggles, Naseem provided a rare spark, scoring his maiden ODI half-century and becoming the second-highest run-scorer from the No. 11 position in ODI history.

However, his efforts weren’t enough to save Pakistan from a thumping 84-run defeat, which handed New Zealand an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing 293, Pakistan crumbled to 208 all out, with only Faheem Ashraf (73 off 80) and Naseem (51 off 44) offering resistance.

The duo stitched a crucial 60-run stand for the ninth wicket, briefly giving Pakistan a glimmer of hope.

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Naseem, who was initially rested due to a minor niggle, was brought in as a concussion substitute for Haris Rauf. His fearless knock, featuring four fours and four sixes, showcased his clean hitting under pressure.

His 51-run effort now stands as the second-highest individual score by a No. 11 batter in ODI history, behind only Mohammad Amir’s 58 against England in 2016.

Notably, the top three highest scores from this position all belong to Pakistani players, with Shoaib Akhtar’s 43 against England in 2003 rounding out the list.

With Pakistan already trailing 2-0 in the series, they now face the daunting task of avoiding a clean sweep in the final ODI, scheduled in Mount Maunganui on April 5.

Pakistan squad for ODI series against New Zealand

Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf, and Usman Khan.

READ: Haris Rauf, Salman Ali Agha rise in ICC ODI Rankings despite Pakistan’s struggles