Pakistan’s pace attack has been dealt a blow with the news that young fast bowler Naseem Shah will not be participating in The Hundred this year. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied Shah a No Objection Certificate (NOC) citing workload management as the primary reason.
Focus on Fitness After Injury
According to sources at Geo News, the PCB made the decision after reviewing Shah’s application. The denial serves as a preventive measure to safeguard the bowler from injuries in the future. This cautious approach stems from Shah’s packed schedule playing in all three formats for Pakistan, coupled with injuries and fitness challenges he faced in 2023.
A shoulder injury forced Shah to undergo surgery in October 2023, consequently ruling him out of the ICC World Cup 2023 where Pakistan exited at the group stage. Doctors advised rest and rehabilitation for a period of four to six weeks following the surgery, keeping him out of action for at least three to four months.
Crucial World Test Championship Matches on the Horizon
Pakistan has a busy schedule of upcoming World Test Championship matches. A two-Test series against Bangladesh kicks off on August 21st, and there’s a chance Pakistan might be without another pace spearhead, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Pakistan’s red-ball coach, Jason Gillespie, hinted at Afridi’s possible unavailability for the series due to the impending birth of his first child. “Shaheen can miss Bangladesh Test matches due to childbirth. We can give him [some] rest if he wants to stay with his wife till then,” Gillespie was quoted as saying by Geo News.
Limited-Overs Return Against Australia
Following the Test series against Bangladesh, Pakistan will return to limited-overs cricket in November, taking on Australia in a highly anticipated series.
Naseem Shah’s absence from The Hundred will come as a disappointment to fans who were eager to see the young talent showcase his skills in the fast-paced 100-ball format. However, the PCB’s decision reflects a growing focus on workload management in modern cricket, prioritizing player fitness and longevity over short-term gains.
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