Naseem Shah Reflects on Seven Years of International Cricket and Injury Battles

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah feels he still has a lot to achieve in cricket and has not yet reached his best. He believes gaining experience, becoming more mature and taking better care of his fitness will help him grow into a better bowler.

In a recent interview with the PCB, the right-arm pacer spoke about how his game and mindset have changed since making his international debut for Pakistan.

“You change a lot as a human being and a cricketer (as you age) with maturity levels and experience enhancing,” said Naseem Shah.

“You also learn a lot through ups and downs in life. You do bowl at an express pace when you are young and new in the sport, but now I think that you also need to have some sense in terms of what you are trying to do.” added Naseem Shah.

Naseem has faced several injury problems since making his international debut seven years ago. One of the biggest blows came during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup due to which he was ruled out of the event.

Meanwhile, Naseem’s most recent injury occurred this year when a back problem forced him to leave the complete PSL 2026 season.

Talking about his recovery, Naseem said proper rehabilitation, knowing his body’s limits and getting the right medical care are all important when dealing with injuries.

“You go back to zero whenever you are injured and sometimes it doesn’t even allow you to go for a run, let alone going through the motions of the game. The rehabilitation programme then becomes important. It is also critical how well you understand your body during those times. Being surrounded by a good medical team also helps,” said Naseem Shah.

Addressing the demands of modern-day cricket, Naseem admitted that the method and intensity of cricket have changed, requiring bowlers to consistently develop their skills to outclass opposition’s batters.

“You have to toy with a batter’s mindset in modern-day white-ball cricket given the nature of surfaces around the world and the focus on entertainment (through run-fests). One ought to become more skilful and developed as a bowler in these times,” said Naseem Shah.

Speaking about his international career so far, Naseem said his peak is yet to come, which is why he always focuses on developing new skills.

“I feel I’m yet to play my peak cricket. Whatever the cricket I’ve played so far, especially Test cricket, I think I lacked a few things,” said Naseem Shah.

“My simple goal is to perform so much that there is no need to talk out loud about my goals or performances. When there are less injuries and you are bowling with good rhythm, everything falls into place itself,” added Naseem Shah.