Naseem Shah on Players’ Fear of Rest in Pakistani Cricket

In a candid admission, Pakistan’s pace sensation Naseem Shah sheds light on the prevailing cricket culture in Pakistan, where players hesitate to ask for rest, fearing for their positions in the team.

Pakistan cricketer Naseem Shah.

Returning to the field after a grueling five-month injury hiatus, Shah, currently representing Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), reveals the underlying challenges faced by players within the system.

Shah’s injury saga began with a shoulder setback during the Asia Cup last year, forcing him out of significant tournaments like the ODI World Cup and Pakistan’s tour of Australia.

Speaking to CricWick, Shah expressed his concerns, saying, “In Pakistan, the scenario is quite different. The fear of losing one’s place in the team looms large, especially if a newcomer performs well in a single match. This fear discourages players from seeking rest, even when necessary, as it might jeopardize their careers.”

He further elaborates on the cultural stigma attached to expressing fatigue or physical limitations, stating, “Our culture fosters a perception that admitting to physical exhaustion reflects poorly on our commitment to the game. Consequently, players refrain from voluntarily opting for rest, fearing judgment and criticism from peers and management alike.”

Shah suggests a potential solution to this issue, proposing that workload management be predetermined by the physiotherapist or bowling coach, thereby alleviating the pressure on players to make such decisions themselves.

Highlighting recent events, Shah references the PCB’s decision to terminate Haris Rauf’s contract following his withdrawal from the Australia tour due to fitness concerns, emphasizing the repercussions players face when prioritizing their well-being.

Reflecting on his own injury ordeal and subsequent rehabilitation, Shah recalls the moment he realized the severity of his shoulder injury, admitting, “I played through the pain initially, unaware of the extent of the damage. It was only during the surgery that I discovered the tear, which had been exacerbated during the Asia Cup.”

Despite facing adversity, Shah remains resolute in his commitment to the game, advocating for a cultural shift within Pakistani cricket that prioritizes player welfare and encourages open dialogue regarding physical health and fatigue.

As Shah’s revelations shed light on the challenges faced by players in Pakistan, it underscores the importance of fostering a supportive and empathetic environment within the cricketing fraternity, where players can prioritize their well-being without fear of reprisal.