Naseem Shah is a talented bowler who has gained recognition from everyone. The 21-year-old has already participated in 17 Test matches, 14 One Day Internationals, and 28 Twenty20 Internationals. He is often seen as the future star of Pakistan cricket. However, Shah has mentioned that while his father is his biggest supporter, he doesn’t allow him to watch his games. “There’s a lot happening in a cricketer’s life that people don’t know about,” the fast bowler from Pakistan, Shah, shared with Cricbuzz.
“Sometimes, all you want are little moments of joy. My father is dealing with some health problems. There was a time when he didn’t know anything about cricket, but now he watches every ball and gets upset when we lose. So, before every important game, I call my brothers to ensure our father doesn’t watch it. I’m worried it might cause more serious health issues. It feels like I’m playing two games at the same time.”
He continued by discussing the India versus Pakistan game in the T20 World Cup 2024. His team couldn’t reach the small target of 120 runs. Pakistan missed winning by just six runs, even though they had 80 runs and only three players out by the 14th over.
“These games mean a lot to people. I didn’t think it would end like that. There are some thoughts you keep private. A lot of feelings built up, and many things came to my mind at that moment… There have been very few times in my life when I felt I needed someone to encourage me.”
“Even though fans and the media weren’t blaming me, I can’t be happy and say I did my part after my team loses. I’m someone who wants to win. I feel sad even when I lose a game at home or on my street. I play to win, and not making it in the World Cup really hurt me.”
Shah said he hopes to regain the support of Pakistan’s fans by performing well on the cricket field.
“People approach me in restaurants and ask why we lost. Even my family members have inquired about it. I recognize that their feelings are influenced by social media, and as a player, my role is to listen to them.
“There are moments when you feel you can’t handle it any longer. However, it also fuels a desire to make a comeback. People had many questions and a lot of frustration, which is understandable. Now, we have a chance to win back their hearts by playing good cricket.”
