Naseem Shah makes a shocking admission on his father

Naseem Shah’s journey in international cricket has been nothing short of remarkable, but behind the scenes, the young pacer carries the weight of more than just his expectations.

Since making his debut for Pakistan at the tender age of 16, Naseem has soared to great heights, becoming the youngest fast bowler to claim a five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He also achieved a hat-trick at 16 against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Naseem Shah opens up about his journey beyond the pitch

However, these feats have come with their own set of challenges, both personal and professional, including injuries that forced him to miss the ODI World Cup in India last year. Naseem’s five-year international career has been hit by injuries. However, he is still one of the most talented pacers in the world.

Meanwhile, ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home, Naseem revealed that the emotional strain of watching his son’s performances on the world stage has taken a toll on his father.

The Pakistani pacer revealed that his father was not originally a cricket fan, but he is now watching every ball whenever the Men in Green are in action because of him being a cricketer. Naseem said that his father gets distressed whenever Pakistan loses the games, so he always tries to ensure he is not watching the must-win games.

Naseem reveals his father is going through some health issue

The pressure of knowing his father’s fragile health adds an extra layer of responsibility on Naseem’s young shoulders, as the young pacer has himself to ensure his father isn’t watching the big games, fearing the emotional rollercoaster could exacerbate his health condition.

Shah said that this situation is like if he’s playing two games at once—one on the field and one in his heart. Naseem said that a cricketer's life is always in the limelight and is filled with unseen struggles. He further mentioned that the world watches the highs and lows of his career, but very few are aware of the personal battles they fight off the field.

Amid rigorous training, intense matches, and the weight of a nation’s expectations, just like other players, the 21-year-old pacer said that he also continues to seek out small moments of happiness, hoping to find a balance between his passion for the game and the well-being of his family.

I ring my brothers to make sure that our father doesn't watch big games: Naseem Shah

Naseem Shah was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz: “My father is going through some health issues. There was a time when he did not know anything about cricket, but now he watches every ball and gets distressed when we lose. So, before every big game, I ring my brothers to make sure that our father doesn't watch it.

I fear that it may lead to some bigger health complications. It [the pressure] is like I am playing two matches at once. There is a lot going on in a cricketer's life behind the scenes about which people are not aware. At times, all you are searching for are small moments of happiness.”

Notably, Shah will be in action when Pakistan takes on the Bangladesh team in the opening game of the two-match Test series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from Wednesday, August 21.