Pakistan’s current pace bowler, Naseem Shah, spoke about the insecurities and culture of the Pakistan cricket team.
Shah said that there’s fear among the senior players that they will be replaced by junior players in case they ask for rest.
Upon his interaction with Cricbuzz Shah, he said, “Honestly, 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 further stated,”This fear does not allow players to rest because you are scared your careers could end there.”
Naseem Shah further added that there needs to be a clear conversation between players and team management.
Shah said, “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 further revealed that a player’s commitment is even doubted if he asks for rest.
Shah feels that before every series, the bowling coach, along with trainers and physiotherapists, should decide how many matches a player should play.
Ashwin’s Century: Rewriting Cricket History against England
Talking about his own comeback, Naseem Shah said,I had stiffness in my shoulder, but after warm-ups it would get better, and I played through it. But during the Asia Cup, I had a tear and felt something tearing inside me.”
