"Didn't play good cricket" - Naseem Shah sensationally claims Babar Azam & Co. deserve criticism

Pakistan cricketer Naseem Shah talked about the team's struggles of late in all three formats of the game. He admitted that their comeback wasn't great and they can't deny that they didn't play good cricket and they will be improving in the upcoming games.

Pakistan National Cricket Team, of late, have been struggling to get going. Ever since the ICC World Cup 2023, they haven't been at their best. They faced a group stage exit in the tournament, and after that, there was a lot of drama and controversies going around surrounding the captaincy.

From Babar Azam to Shaheen Afridi to Babar Azam again, the captaincy of the team was a massive talking point. Apart from all the controversies, the performances of the team weren't up to the mark as they lost games and didn't come up with the performances that were expected from them.

Pakistan National Cricket Team then were torrid in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024 as well. They faced horrible losses to the United States of America and the India National Cricket Team, failing to reach the Super 8 stage of the tournament, for which they looked favorites.

Naseem Shah, while talking about the team's performance, said that the upcoming Bangladesh Test series will be a great chance for them to bounce back. He's confident of a team making a strong comeback. Speaking to reporters as per Cricket Pakistan, he explained:

"Yes, our comeback wasn't great, and we can't deny that we didn't play good cricket. Criticism is part of it, and we must endure it until things improve. This is a good chance to bounce back, play better, and show up as a team. That's what I'm hoping for."

Pakistan are all set to host Bangladesh for the two-match Test series later this month. The Test series will begin on 21st August in Rawalpindi followed by the second match to be played in Karachi from 30th August.

I haven’t played red cricket for thirteen months - Naseem Shah

Naseem Shah further talked about his comeback in Test cricket, saying that he hasn't played the format for a long and it won't be easy for him. He said that he is pushing himself hard and is increasing his speed. He elaborated:

"I haven’t played red cricket for thirteen months; it’s not easy to play after a long time. International cricket has its own pressure; however, we are training hard for it.

“I know personally that playing an international match after a long time is not easy. After returning from injury, I am gradually increasing the load of bowling spells,” he concluded.

Naseem Shah will be playing a crucial role for the Pakistan Team in the upcoming Test series. He first will be playing for the Pakistan Shaheens in the four-day game against Bangladesh A. The match will take place at the Islamabad Club from August 13 to August 16. After the four-day match, Naseem Shah and seven other probables will join the senior team for the Test series.