Naseem Shah Reveals the Key to Unlocking His Full Potential
News Desk
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah believes the best years of his cricket career are still ahead of him, with experience, physical fitness and injury management emerging as key priorities as he prepares for the challenges of modern international cricket.
After returning to the national side following a seven-month absence, the right-arm pacer has shown encouraging signs of regaining his rhythm. His comeback has also renewed attention on his potential role in Pakistan’s preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup.
Speaking to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) digital platform on Thursday, Naseem reflected on how his understanding of fast bowling has evolved with age and experience. He explained that while young fast bowlers often concentrate on generating pace, maturity brings a greater appreciation of strategy, execution and the purpose behind each delivery.
Pakistan began its home international season against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 9, marking Naseem’s return to the national team. He made an immediate impact in the opening T20 match, taking three wickets for 36 runs in his four overs.
His performance demonstrated the value of combining pace with control and tactical awareness. Bowling at 136.9 kilometres per hour, he forced Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis into a poor shot that resulted in a catch at third man.
Naseem later produced a 141.9 km/h delivery to bowl Dunith Wellalage before dismissing Lahiru Udara, who had scored 91 runs. Udara attempted to send a yorker towards long-on but found a fielder instead.
Although he went wicketless in the second T20 international, Naseem conceded just nine runs in two powerplay overs, maintaining pressure on Sri Lanka.
For the fast bowler, however, the bigger challenge extends beyond individual performances. His international career has repeatedly been interrupted by injuries, making fitness and rehabilitation essential components of his long-term ambitions.
Naseem missed the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup because of injury, while a back problem during the 2026 Pakistan Super League forced him to withdraw from the tournament.
Reflecting on the difficulties of returning to cricket after an injury, he explained that recovery can feel like starting over. Even running may become difficult, while rebuilding the fitness required for bowling presents another significant challenge.
He emphasized the importance of following a proper rehabilitation programme, understanding the body’s physical limits and working closely with a capable medical team.
According to Naseem, reducing injuries and maintaining a consistent bowling rhythm can make a substantial difference to a player’s performance and development.
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where he recently returned to international action, has a special place in his career. In February 2020, during his fourth Test against Bangladesh, Naseem claimed a hat-trick at the age of 16 years and 359 days, becoming the youngest bowler to achieve the feat in Test cricket.
Since making his international debut, he has collected 155 wickets in 93 matches for Pakistan across formats. His record in ODIs has been particularly notable, with 60 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 25.91 and a strike rate of 28.3.
He has also taken five-wicket hauls in consecutive ODI matches. Against the Netherlands in August 2022, he claimed five wickets for 33 runs before taking five for 57 against New Zealand in January 2023, becoming the sixth Pakistani bowler to achieve five-wicket hauls in two successive ODI matches.
Naseem believes the demands of contemporary white-ball cricket require fast bowlers to keep adapting. With varied pitches, aggressive batting approaches and increasingly high-scoring contests, bowlers must anticipate batters’ intentions, develop different skills and find ways to maintain pressure.
Pakistan’s upcoming tri-nation ODI series involving England and Sri Lanka will provide another opportunity for the pacer to build momentum. The series is also expected to contribute to Pakistan’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup under captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Looking back at his career, Naseem acknowledged that there were aspects of his game, particularly in Test cricket, that he could have handled better. Rather than publicly outlining ambitious targets, he said he wanted his performances to demonstrate his progress.
His immediate priority appears to be maintaining fitness, improving consistency and translating his experience into sustained performances at the highest level.
Pakistan’s 2027 World Cup campaign is scheduled to begin against Afghanistan on October 8, 2027. For Naseem, the tournament represents an opportunity to make his first appearance at the ODI World Cup, provided he remains fit and earns selection.
At this stage of his career, the fast bowler’s ambitions rest not simply on bowling faster or taking more wickets, but on developing the durability, tactical intelligence and consistency needed to become a more complete international cricketer.
