Naseem Shah Archives

Naseem Shah expresses distress over personal criticism from former players

Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah has expressed his disappointment over remarks made by former players amid the team’s poor performance, emphasizing how such comments can impact the players’ morale.

In a special Eid show released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Naseem and Fakhar were asked by the host, former pacer Wahab Riaz, about the reaction from fans and former cricketers when the Pakistan team is on the losing side.

“As a fan, if you watch cricket and someone says something that doesn’t make sense to you, you might think, ‘it’s okay, this person has never played cricket, ” said Naseem.

“When we go home, even our own brothers sometimes make comments that make us say, ‘Yeah, okay, they’ve never played cricket,” Naseem added.

Naseem Shah welcomed critical feedback on players’ performances but emphasized refraining from personal remarks.

“When it comes to players who have actually played cricket for 10-15 years, you can discuss their performance—talk about how someone isn’t bowling well, isn’t batting well, or what mistakes they’re making. That’s fine,” said Naseem.

“You can analyze what can be improved. However, I feel that getting too personal—commenting on how someone styles their hair or how they speak—crosses the line. These things hit personally,” he added.

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The 22-year-old views echo Fakhar Zaman, who highlighted the importance of respecting former cricketers amid harsh remarks.

Fakhar stated that when you’re playing, you’re often unaware of what people are saying. He quoted his injury instance during the Champions Trophy.

“When I was unfit during the Champions Trophy, I had time to observe and see what people were saying.”

“When you leave cricket and enter the media, I understand it’s your bread and butter. However, when you start criticizing the very thing that gave you the opportunity to sit on TV, you can’t expect to be successful in that field,” he remarked.

Fakhar Zaman stated that if someone who has played cricket offers criticism aimed at improving him, he takes it very positively and holds that person in high regard.

“If someone who has played cricket criticizes me fairly, I take it very positively and I have much more respect for that person, ” said Zaman

“But if someone makes personal remarks unrelated to my batting or playing ability, believe me, in my heart, that person earns less respect,” he concluded.

READ: Scott Boland gears up for WTC25 final amid injury recovery

Babar Azam, Naseem Shah misfire as Karachi Whites humble Lahore Blues

LAHORE: Pakistan’s top batter Babar Azam and ace pacer Naseem Shah failed to impress on their return to the National T20 Cup as Karachi Whites secured a comprehensive victory against Lahore Blues here at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

The duo was rested for Pakistan’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand after the national team’s disappointing performance in the recently concluded Champions Trophy.

Initially, there were reports that both players had opted out of the National T20 Cup. However, Naseem and Babar featured in the playing XI of Lahore Blues for their match against Karachi Whites.

Babar Azam and Naseem Shah both fell short of expectations, with Babar scoring a scratchy knock of 23 off 17 deliveries, while Naseem remained wicketless conceding 41 runs in his four overs.

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The home team was bundled out for 134 in 18.4 overs while chasing 172. This was Lahore’s first defeat in the 18-team tournament. Qasim Akram remained top scorer with his 36 off 28 deliveries, laced with four fours and one six.

For Karachi Whites, Arif Yaqoob was the stand-out bowler, taking four wickets for 23 runs in his four overs. Fast bowler Mohammad Umar and spinner Danish Aziz equally contributed to the victory, each claiming two wickets

Earlier, Karachi Blues posted a daunting total of 172 in their 20 overs, thanks to Saud Shakeel’s half-century.

The southpaw continued his good form, top-scoring with 73 off 52 balls striking eight fours and three sixes in his decisive knock.

In the final phase of the innings, Danish Aziz (23) and Saqib Khan (20) contributed with a quick-fire stand to help Karachi reach a formidable total.

For Lahore Blues, Qasim Akram, Mohammad Irfan, and Nisar Ahmed bagged one wicket each in their allocated overs.

READ: Pakistan’s kickboxer Agha Kaleem wins silver at World Muaythai Championship

Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub among Pakistan players to enter The Hundred 2025 Draft

Pakistan players are set to make a strong presence in The Hundred 2025 draft, with as many as 45 names officially registered, including star pacer Naseem Shah and young opener Saim Ayub.

The list features a combination of established stars and promising young talent, all eyeing a chance to compete in England’s fast-paced 100-ball tournament.

Leading the charge is pace sensation Naseem Shah, who enters the draft with the highest reserve price among Pakistani players—£120,000. Meanwhile, all-rounder Imad Wasim and explosive left-hander Saim Ayub have set their base price at £78,500.

The list also includes Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Hasnain, each carrying a £63,000 reserve price, while Mohammad Amir and Azam Khan have entered at £52,000.

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Left-handed batter Shan Masood has been listed at £41,500, whereas several others—including Mohammad Abbas, Haider Ali, and Ammad Butt—have registered but without a fixed reserve price.

With 348 players from around the world competing for just 10 available slots among eight franchises, the draft—set for March 12—is expected to be highly competitive.

The fifth edition of The Hundred kicks off on August 5 at Lord’s with an exciting London derby between London Spirit and Oval Invincibles, promising another thrilling season of high-intensity cricket.

Pakistan Players Registered for The Hundred 2025 Draft

Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Imad Wasim, Hassan Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Zaman Khan, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Mohammad Amir, Azam Khan, Shan Masood, Mohammad Abbas, Nauman Ali, Haider Ali, Mohammad Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Azan Awais, Ammad Butt, Ahmad Daniyal, Sahibzada Farhan, Sameen Gul, Muhammad Haris, Muhammad Imran Jr, Imam Insaram-Ul-Haq, Salman Irshad, Taijul Islam, Aamir Jamal, Sajid Khan, Usman Khan, Jahandad Khan, Haseebullah Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi, Chaudhry Saad Masood, Muhammad Musa, Khawaja Nafay, Rohail Nazir, Muhammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafique, Hunain Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Saud Shakeel, Muhammad Talat, Ihsan Ullah, Amir Yamin, Mohammad Zeeshan.

READ: Mohammad Amir suggests THIS player to be Pakistan T20I captain

Hafeez wants Pakistan to move on from Shaheen, Haris, Naseem

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez lashed out at pacers Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah over their recent struggles in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan suffered a crushing six-wicket defeat on Sunday against the arch-rivals India, leaving their title defence hanging by a thread.

While batting first, Pakistan managed a modest 241 before getting bowled out in the final over. In reply, India cruised to victory with 45 balls to spare, thanks to a masterclass from Virat Kohli, who notched up a brilliant century.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

After the match, Mohammad Hafeez called for major changes in Pakistan’s bowling attack, highlighting the recent failures of fast bowlers.

“The trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf failed to deliver in the 2023 Asia Cup, 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup, and now in the Champions Trophy 2025,” Hafeez said.

“It’s time to acknowledge that, despite their talent, they haven’t proven themselves capable of winning big tournaments for Pakistan.

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“Let’s move on and give opportunities to other bowlers like Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Akif Javed, and Mir Hamza. These players are waiting for their chances—they are also Pakistani, and they deserve an opportunity.”

Mohammad Hafeez also drew comparisons between Babar Azam and former great Inzamam-ul-Haq. He pointed out that Babar has failed to produce a match-winning performance against India in a decade-long career.

“Inzamam bhai used to win matches for Pakistan in tough conditions. Babar Azam has not been able to win a single game against India after playing for 10 years,” Hafeez remarked.

READ: ‘Can’t have five genuine bowlers in ODIs’: Rizwan defends Pakistan’s team selection

Naseem Shah ‘confident’ in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy buildup

KARACHI: Pakistan’s fast bowler, Naseem Shah, on Monday shed light on the national team’s preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the crucial match against South Africa in the ongoing tri-nation series.

Shah, while addressing the media ahead of the must-win encounter against South Africa at the rebuilt National Bank Stadium, admitted that the Men in Green did not perform according to the expectations in the series opener against New Zealand.

However, he expressed confidence in the bowling unit’s ability to make a comeback in the upcoming clash.

“Look, after just one match, you can’t think negatively as a fast bowler. In the last two series, our fast bowlers performed exceptionally well in Australia and South Africa,” said Shah.

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”Here, the conditions are not suitable for fast bowlers. The role of spinners is very important in these conditions,” the pacer remarked.

Speaking about his recent performances, Naseem Shah admitted that he had not been at his best in last few matches.

“To be honest, I am not performing the way I expect from myself,” he added.

While sharing his views on the much-anticipated match between Pakistan and India, Naseem Shah said that the team had not discussed it much yet.

Naseem Shah emphasised that Pakistan has the potential to bounce back despite the disappointing result in Lahore

“Our team has the potential to bounce back and play good cricket,” the fast bowler concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that, New Zealand achieved a convincing victory against Pakistan by 78 runs in the first match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Batting first, Phillips scored a fiery unbeaten ton after Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell’s fifties to power New Zealand to 330 over the loss of six wickets.

Chasing 331, Pakistan got off to a promising start with the new opening pair of Fakhar and Babar Azam putting together a brisk 52-run stand.

Fakhar Zaman was the only silver lining for Pakistan as they crumbled in chase, and were bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs at Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan squad for tri-nation series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: PCB provides update on Haris Rauf’s injury ahead of Champions Trophy

Naseem Shah ‘excited’ to play with THESE two foreign players in PSL 10

Naseem Shah, the pace spearhead of Islamabad United, expressed excitement about playing with Australia’s Riley Meredith and Matthew Short in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10.

Short, who boasts an impressive strike rate of 146.46 in T20 cricket, was roped in by Islamabad United in the first round of the platinum category during the PSL 10 Player Draft.

Meanwhile, Meredith, who is a right-arm pacer, was picked later in the Supplementary category. He has picked 142 wickets across 113 T20 games at an average of 24.26.

“I’m really excited to see two players in particular joining Islamabad United this season: Riley Meredith and Matt Short,” Naseem Shah said in a statement released by Islamabad United.

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“Riley’s pace and bounce are something special, and I think he’s going to light up the league. Pakistani fans are passionate about fast bowling, and we love express pace—Riley fits that perfectly.

“What can I say? I’m just glad we won’t have to bowl to him [Short]! He has the ability to dismantle any attack in no time.

“He’s as destructive as they come, and I think he’ll absolutely love playing at our home ground in Rawalpindi.”

It’s worth noting that along with Meredith and Short, Islamabad United also picked Australian left-arm fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis, who has bagged 176 T20 wickets at an average of 22 in 140 games.

Islamabad United squad for PSL 10

Matthew Short, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan (all Platinum), Imad Wasim (mentor) and Azam Khan, Jason Holder (both Diamond), Ben Dwarhuis, Salman Ali Agha (Brand Ambassador) and Haider Ali (all Gold), Andries Gous, Colin Munro, Muhammad Nawaz and Rumman Raees, Salman Irshad (all Silver), Hunain Shah, Saad Masood (both Emerging)

Supplementary – Riley Meredith and Rassie van der Dussen

READ: PCB releases video showcasing progress of Gaddafi Stadium’s renovation

Naseem Shah ‘confident’ of Pakistan’s comeback in second ODI against Australia

Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah has stated that the team’s spirited performance in the first ODI against Australia has boosted their confidence, which will help them make a strong comeback in the second ODI.

Pakistan lost the first ODI by two wickets at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) after a spirited performance with the ball while defending a modest 203-run total.

The second match of the series will be played on 8 November (tomorrow) in Adelaide, while Perth will host the third ODI on 10 November.

While talking to the media on Thursday in Adelaide, Naseem shared that the team discussed the shortcomings in the last match and will aim to win the second ODI to level the series.

“We have learned a lot from the last game and are working to rectify those lessons in the next game,” said Naseem.

“The entire team sat down and discussed ways to improve for upcoming matches. We analyzed our batting mistakes and aimed to improve them. Our bowling effort was fantastic, and we plan to enhance it further.”

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For the unversed, Naseem Shah was forced to leave the field after two balls into his eighth over due to cramps during the first ODI against Australia in Melbourne.

He spoke about his current fitness level, emphasizing that muscle cramps are a common occurrence that can strike any athlete, regardless of how fit or well-conditioned they may be.

“Alhamdulillah, I am completely fine. Cramps are a common thing; they can happen to anyone, whether a batter or a bowler, regardless of their fitness level,” the fast bowler remarked.

“Cramps can come up at any time, and they take some time to recover from. But now, I have fully recovered.”

Notably, the ODI series will be followed by a three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Auustralia, scheduled to commence on November 14.

Brisbane will host the first T20I, with the next matches scheduled for November 16 and 18 in Sydney and Hobart, respectively.

Pakistan Squad for ODI Series against Australia

Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (vc) and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Legendary Australian captain urges Babar Azam to follow Virat Kohli’s footsteps

Pakistan receive a major boost ahead of second ODI against Australia

ADELAIDE: Pakistan received a significant boost ahead of the second ODI against Australia, scheduled to be played here on 8 November as pace bowler Naseem Shah has recovered from his injury.

Naseem was forced to leave the field after two balls into his eighth over due to cramps during the first ODI against Australia in Melbourne.

There were doubts about his fitness for the second ODI, however, the right-arm pacer participated in the training session at the Adelaide Oval along with the rest of the squad.

The reports indicate that he has fully recovered and is in excellent physical condition, making him ready and eligible for selection in the second ODI.

Pakistan lost the first ODI by two wickets at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) after a spirited performance with the ball.

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However, Naseem Shah earned praise for his performance during the match, where he played a crucial knock of 40 runs and took an important wicket of Australian opening batter Jake Fraser-McGurk.

Following the second ODI, Perth will host the third ODI on 10 November. The ODI series will be followed by a three-match T20I series, scheduled to commence on November 14.

Brisbane will host the first T20I, with the next matches scheduled for November 16 and 18 in Sydney and Hobart, respectively.

Notably, wicket-keeper Josh Inglis is set to captain Australia for the first time as he will lead the side in the third ODI against Pakistan as well as the following T20I series.

Pakistan Squad for ODI Series against Australia

READ: Former batter predicts India to win Champions Trophy 2025

Hasan Ali reacts to Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi’s exclusion from Pakistan squad

Pakistan pace bowler Hasan Ali has backed teammates Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah, who were dropped from the national Test squad for the remaining two matches against England.

Babar, Shaheen and Naseem along with wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed were released from Pakistan’s squad earlier today for the second and third Test matches.

“Taking into consideration the current form and fitness of key players and looking ahead to Pakistan’s future assignments in the 2024-25 international cricket season, the selectors have decided to give rest to Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Abrar Ahmed (who is recovering from dengue fever) was unavailable for selection,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.

“The four players have been replaced by Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Kamran Ghulam (all uncapped), fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan.

“Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially part of the original first Test squad but were subsequently released, have also been included in the 16-player squad.”

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Hasan Ali, who is currently out of action due to an elbow injury, took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account and extended his support to the players who were dropped from Pakistan’s squad.

“Tough times only make comebacks sweeter,” Hasan posted. “My brothers, you’re champions! You’ve done wonders for Pakistan and will continue do so. Keep believing and you’ll be back stronger than ever, Inshallah.”

The second and third Test between Pakistan and England are scheduled to be played in Multan and Rawalpindi on 15 and 24 October, respectively.

Pakistan Squad For Remaining Matches Against England

Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.

READ: England captain Ben Stokes in line for comeback in second Pakistan Test

Naseem Shah is the favourite Pakistan cricketer of THIS Indian actress

Bollywood star Urvashi Rautela named young right-arm pacer Naseem Shah as her favourite cricketer from Pakistan.

A video of the actress has gone viral on social media in which she is walking the red carpet for the IIFA 2024 when she is asked about her favourite cricketer from the Pakistan team.

The viral video shows Urvashi Rautela responding, “They have a good team. Naseem is good.”

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The Bollywood actress’s latest confession about Naseem Shah once again made her the centre of attention on social media as fans recalled her longstanding admiration for the young pacer.

The actress grabbed attention last year when she felicitated birthday wishes to Naseem Shah and congratulated him on being conferred with honorary DSP rank on his 20th birthday.

While she was thanked for the wishes, the pacer later revealed that he did not thank her for the gesture personally.

In an ARY News show last year, Naseem Shah revealed that he does not use social media and told the manager of his account to thank those who greeted him. The cricketer said he did not think that the admin would thank anyone.

Urvashi Rautela, in May this year, once against sparked a social media debate after she shared a viral fan-made video featuring her and Naseem Shah on her official Instagram handle.

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The first frame of the edited video showed the fast bowler smiling while the second frame showed Rautela returning the smile. The clip ended with them smiling at each other.

Responding to the viral video, Shah said that he had no knowledge of who or what Urvashi Rautela was.

“I don’t know about it as such. I perform on the field and people send such videos. I have no idea about it. I am thankful to those who watch matches in the stadiums. I like it when they come and cheer for whomever they like,” he responded when asked about the video at the time.

READ: Stuart Broad wants England to play ‘fast-paced cricket’ on Pakistan tour