Naseem Shah Should Not Be Allowed To Play U-19 World Cup: Mohammad Hafeez

Naseem Shah hogged the limelight when he troubled Australian batsmen with his fiercest spell in the pink-ball tour match against Australia A. He showcased his mettle at the Perth Stadium, dismissing Marcus Harris with a bouncer that caught the batsman’s edge. After making waves in the tour match, he made his Test debut against Australia last month in Brisbane where he bowled as many as 20 overs.

He impressed everyone by removing David Warner with a phenomenal bouncer. Pakistan’s bowling sensation scripted history in the world as he became the youngest fast bowler to take a fifer in an innings of a Test. Shah, aged 16 years and 311 days, surpassed his countryman Mohammad Amir to become the youngest ever pacer.

Earlier, Pakistan seamer Mohammad Amir claimed his first five-wicket haul when he was 17 years and 257 days. Naseem Shah has by far played three Tests for Pakistan and has taken eight wickets.

Naseem Shah should not be sent to play U-19 World Cup: Hafeez

Meanwhile, Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez believes young pacer Naseem Shah should not be allowed to play in next month’s Under 19 World Cup as the right-arm pacer has already played international cricket. Shah is part of the U-19 squad which will be flying to South Africa for the World Cup scheduled to be held from January 17 to February 9.

Hafeez said that Shah needs to work hard technically and physically in a bid to take his game to the next level. “Humble suggestion to the Junior Selection Committee not to send Naseem Shah to play in Under 19 World Cup. He already played international cricket and should work hard technically and physically to get better at that level. Would be fruitful to use this opportunity to send any other fast bowler,” tweeted Hafeez.

It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan were 2004 and 2006 champions and three-time runners-up of the U19 World Cup. They are placed in Group C of the 16-team event and will take on Scotland in their opening match on January 19. Their second match will be against Zimbabwe at the Witrand Oval on January 22, while their third and final group match will be on January 24 against Bangladesh.

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