“Ready to play for Pakistani in all three formats of cricket,” says Naseem Shah

BRISTOL: Pakistani test fast bowler Naseem Shah said he is ready to represent his country in all three formats of the games at international level as he enjoys bowling in all three formats.

The young pace sensation, who grabbed headlines in 2020 when he became the youngest bowler in the history of test cricket to take a hat-trick against Bangladesh, was speaking exclusively to Geo at Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol, the home of Gloucestershire county cricket club.

After making his international debut against Australia in Australia in 2019 when he was just 16.

So far he’s featured in 11 test matches for Pakistan but yet to play for Pakistani in ODI and T20I formats of the game. He is also the 2nd youngest bowler and the youngest fast bowler ever to take a five wicket haul in an innings a feat he achieved in only his 2nd test match against Sri Lanka.

He said that satisfying anyone to select him in the playing squad for ODI and T20I is not in his hand but only in Allah’s.

“I’m working hard and doing what I can. Whenever I have the ball in my hand the only thing I strive for is to perform well no matter what the format is.”

Naseem Shah, who hails from Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa initially started playing cricket with tape ball at home with his cousins. He told Geo that he had no idea at that time what hard ball cricket really is and didn’t even thought of following any international fast bowler. The taste of bowling with hard ball developed only after he joined the cricket academy and later watching clips of great fast bowlers on YouTube.

“In those days at cricket academy I used to watch New Zealand’s great fast bowler Shane Bond a lot on tv. I was really impressed with his run up and bowling styles. But gradually I started to watch the videos of all the great Pakistani bowlers on YouTube. Those clips I watched online encouraged me and taught me a lot about fast bowling”.

Paskistan cricket is currently got a very healthy pool of quality fast bowlers led by Shaheen Afridi and there’s a tough competition going on to be part the playing squad in all three formats but Naseem said he has no competition at all with fellow Pakistani pacers, in fact he’s never even though about it .

“All I’ve ever tried is to perform and do me level best whenever and wherever I get a chance, whether it is a club game or a county match or at national or international level. The only thing I always try to do is to work hard to give my %100 to the team as this is the only thing which is in my control.”

In January 2022 Naseem was signed by Gloucestershire CCC as their oversees player but unfortunately for him it wasn’t a smooth ride for him in county cricket. After arriving in England he sustained an injury after playing his first county match for Gloucestershire CCC vs Northamptonshire CCC which forced him out of action for few weeks.

Speaking of his fitness Naseem told Geo that it wasn’t a serious issue but only some sort of stiffness and as precautionary measures he was advised by the club’s management to have some rest and concentrate more on training.

“I just followed the advice I was given and with Allah’s blessing my fitness improved with every passing day that’s why I was back in action for Blast”.

Naseem said the reason behind signing for Gloucestershire CCC is that he was looking for an opportunity to perform in county cricket as standards are very high so as soon he was offered to represent Gloucestershire CCC for the season he accepted it.

“I heard a lot about the quality and structure of county cricket from seniors players who played here before me. After coming here I’ve experienced the high standards and professional setup myself , I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing cricket here.”

Naseem Shah told Geo that playing in county cricket not only provided him opportunity to play cricket but also learn a lot of new things too which helped me to bring more discipline in life and boost my professionalism.

“When I came here I was given an accommodation with that my responsibilities also increased. Since Im living alone so I had to deal with household chores too . I have to learn how to keep my house tidy and clean, make my own breakfast and dinner, get my kit ready and to go to ground myself.”

“And in cricket as I had the opportunity to stay in England for a longer period of time so I’ve gained more knowledge about the pitches and playing conditions.”

When Naseem made his international debut Azhar Ali was the captain but now it’s Babar Azam who is leading the Pakistan team in all three formats and in PSL he stars for Quetta Gladiators where Sarfraz Azam is captain. Responding to question about under who’s captaincy he’s enjoyed playing most he said that as a strike bowler his main responsibility is to fulfil the role his given doesn’t matter who’s leading the team but he has enjoyed playing under all three of them

“Whatever plans and combinations are devised by the captain I’ve to follow those. So in my opinion all the captains under whom I’ve played are good and I’ve enjoyed playing with all of them”.

Naseem praised the healthy support of Pakistani fans who come to watch him in action in county cricket.

“Few days ago I was playing a game against Surrey CCC at The Oval cricket ground in London and a big number of Pakistani supporters came over there. They told me that they came only to watch me in action when they came to know that I’m playing in that match. So I’m very grateful to all the fans who always support us Pakistani cricketers no matter where in the world we are playing”

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