“There is a lot going on in a cricketer’s life…”: Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah on challenges in his life

Pakistan’s young fast bowler, Naseem Shah, has revealed a poignant reason behind why he doesn’t let his father watch his cricket matches. Despite being one of the brightest prospects in international cricket, the 21-year-old Shah has chosen to shield his father from the emotional highs and lows of his career, citing his father’s health as a major concern.

Shah, who has played 17 Tests, 14 ODIs, and 28 T20Is for Pakistan, has often been hailed as a future star of the game. His performances have been closely followed by fans and analysts alike, but behind the scenes, Shah has been dealing with personal challenges that he has now decided to share with the public.

In an interview with Cricbuzz, Shah explained that his father, who has always been his biggest supporter, is currently facing health issues. “There is a lot going on in a cricketer’s life behind the scenes about which people are not aware,” Shah said. He elaborated on the emotional strain of high-pressure matches, revealing that his father’s distress during these games is a significant concern for him.

“My father did not know much about cricket initially, but now he follows every ball and becomes distressed when we lose. Before every big game, I make sure to call my brothers and ask them to prevent our father from watching. I fear that the stress might lead to further health complications,” Shah added. He likened the pressure of playing international cricket to competing in two matches simultaneously — one on the field and one emotionally at home.

Shah also reflected on Pakistan’s recent performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where the team fell short against India in a crucial match. Despite Pakistan’s failure to chase a modest target of 120 runs and losing by six runs, Shah noted that the result was deeply disappointing for him. He recalled how the emotional weight of such losses can sometimes be overwhelming.

“There are a lot of emotions attached to such matches,” Shah said. “I didn’t expect the outcome to turn out the way it did. The frustration and the pressure are immense, and it feels like there are very few moments when I can turn to someone for positive reinforcement.”

Despite the pressure and disappointment, Shah remains focused on regaining the trust and support of Pakistan’s cricket fans. He expressed a strong desire to redeem himself and his team by performing well in future matches. “People often approach me with questions about why we lost, driven by social media and public sentiment. I understand their frustrations, but as a player, all I can do is listen,” he said.

Shah’s determination to overcome these personal and professional challenges highlights his commitment to his career and his country. His story not only sheds light on the personal sacrifices athletes make but also underscores the impact of external pressures on their performance and well-being.

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