PCB Withdraws Naseem Shah From Pakistan's U19 World Cup Squad

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has withdrawn the name of their young pacer Naseem Shah from the team for the upcoming ICC Under 19 World Cup. PCB announced the news on Tuesday (December 31). The PCB stated it had taken a pragmatic approach by deciding to withdraw the 16-year old who has already broken into Pakistan’s Test side.

The highly-rated pacer made his debut during the Brisbane Test last month and recently played in both the Tests against Sri Lanka at home. Naseem Shah has so far picked up five wickets in three games. The junior selection panel, headed by Saleem Jaffar, has named Mohammad Wasim Jnr. of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as Shah’s replacement.

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Wasim Jnr. bagged three wickets apiece in the youth Asia Cup and the tour of South Africa while he also picked up seven wickets during the Sri Lanka tour.

“The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup is a stepping stone for future stars and a platform for budding youngsters to graduate to international cricket. Naseem has recently broken that glass ceiling and has established his credentials as an international cricketer,” PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said.

“As such, the PCB has taken a pragmatic approach and decided to withdraw him from next year’s competition to provide this opportunity to another promising cricketer so that he can show his mettle and potential at a global stage,” he added.

Khan further confirmed that instead of playing the U19 World Cup, Naseem Shah would now focus on the upcoming series against Bangladesh,

“Naseem will now remain in Pakistan and continue to work on his skills under the watchful eyes of bowling coach Waqar Younis. Furthermore, he will remain available for the home series against Bangladesh,” Wasim Khan said.

Pakistan, who were the champions of the 2004 and 2006 editions of the Under-19 World Cup, are placed alongside Scotland, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in Group C of the 16-team event. They will kickstart their journey on January 19 by taking on Scotland.