Naseem Shah has shed light on a concerning aspect within Pakistani cricket, highlighting players’ reluctance to take breaks due to fears of jeopardizing their selection in the squad. This revelation underscores the pressure and uncertainty surrounding player selection processes, indicating a need for reforms to ensure a healthier and more sustainable environment for athletes.
Naseem Shah’s Injury:
Last year, the Pakistani pacer sustained an injury during the Asia Cup, causing him to miss the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India. Following surgery, Naseem faced a prolonged recovery period, forcing him to sit out Pakistan’s Test tour to Australia and white-ball tour to New Zealand. His return to competitive cricket occurred after a five-month hiatus during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), marking a significant milestone in his journey back to form and fitness.
Naseem Shah has expressed worry over Pakistan’s cricketing culture, noting senior players’ reluctance to take breaks for fear of losing their spots to talented youngsters performing well in their absence.
This critique highlights the intense competition and pressure within the team, stressing the importance of adopting a more supportive and equitable approach to managing players. Addressing these concerns could create a healthier and more sustainable environment benefiting both senior players and emerging talents in Pakistani cricket.
He said, “I think, unfortunately, in Pakistan, the case is different. Here, the situation is such that if a newcomer performs in one game, the main bowlers are afraid of their place in the XI and wonder if they will be retained for the next game. That fear does not allow players to rest because sometimes when you rest, your career can end up resting in peace.”
He also said, “There’s also a fear among players and our culture is such that if we say our bodies aren’t 100 percent or we are tired, there will be a lot of chatter about our commitment towards playing. Even the players start talking about you so you don’t take rest voluntarily.”
Naseem on Physio and Bowling Coach:
Naseem suggested that pre-determining the number of games each player will participate in during a series, as decided by the physio or bowling coach, could aid in workload management. This proactive approach would enable better planning and distribution of player resources, potentially reducing the risk of injuries and fatigue. By implementing such strategies, teams could optimize performance while prioritizing the health and longevity of their players.
He said, “ The way to avoid that could be if the physio or bowling coach pre-decides the number of games you will play in a series. It will always be better. It [workload management] should happen but it is not in our culture.”
During the Injury Period:
Naseem revealed that initially, he underestimated the severity of his injury. Sustaining a shoulder injury while fielding against Bangladesh, he dismissed it as minor. However, during the match against India, the pain became unbearable, prompting him to leave the field. This incident highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing injuries promptly, as even seemingly minor issues can escalate and affect a player’s performance and overall well-being.
He said, “ I didn’t understand it well [my shoulder]. I had stiffness for a while but after warm-ups, I would feel better. I didn’t understand it well, so I played through it. But during the Asia Cup, I had a tear and felt something tearing inside me.”
He added, “ Later, during the surgery, I found out there was a tear of up to four or five centimetres. I felt a tear when I was bowling the last over against India. Earlier, in the tournament, I had dived and hurt my shoulder but I didn’t think it was serious as I only faced slight stiffness.”
Now in PSL:
Naseem Shah has returned to action in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) following his injury. Islamabad United, captained by Shadab Khan, currently holds the fourth position in the PSL 2024 points table. They are scheduled to play against Karachi Kings on Thursday, March 7, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Naseem has impressed with nine wickets in seven games during PSL 2024, maintaining an average of 23.78.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
