Fast bowler Naseem Shah has shed light on the prevalent culture of insecurity within the Pakistan national cricket team, revealing that senior players are reluctant to take breaks to rest their bodies due to fear of being replaced by younger talents.
Shah, who missed the 50-over World Cup in India last year due to a shoulder injury, expressed his own concerns about losing his place in the team due to the injury.
“The main players are afraid of giving their bodies rest even when they know they need a break because the Pakistan cricket culture is such that if a new player comes in and performs in a match or two, you don’t know if he will replace you permanently in the team,” Shah said in an interview with Cricwick.
He emphasized the need for clarity and better communication between senior players, team management, selectors, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to address this issue.
“In other countries, if a main player is given a break, he is assured he will not be dropped in case his replacement comes in and performs in a match or two,” Shah added.
The young bowler also highlighted that players in Pakistan are often questioned about their commitment if they express that they are not feeling 100 per cent or need rest.
Shah suggested that the physio, bowling coach, and trainer should decide before a series how many matches a player should play, which would help eliminate insecurity and confusion among players.
He shared his own experience of initially underestimating the seriousness of his shoulder injury, which eventually required surgery in the UK. Shah was sidelined for several matches, including those in the Pakistan Super League, Asia Cup, and tours of Australia and New Zealand.
Shah’s insights provide a glimpse into the challenges faced by players in a high-pressure environment, highlighting the importance of mental and physical well-being in professional sports.
