Pakistan pacer Nassem Shah’s absence from Colombo Strikers’ Lanka Premier League (LPL) match against Galle Titans left Pakistan Cricket fans worried. However, the young pacer has reassured fans that he is not injured but took a rest to refresh. The statement means Pakistan will have both their lethal pacers – Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah for Asia Cup 2023.
Earlier, Colombo Strikers’ skipper Chamika Karunaratne confirmed the injury of fast-bowler during the toss. “Naseem Shah is not playing today due to a shoulder injury,” said Karunaratne. The announcement sent ripples down the spine of Pakistan cricket enthusiasts.
However, in a statement, Naseem Shah clarified that he is not nursing any injury. He claimed he made the decision to sit out of the game to provide his body with some rest ahead of the busy schedule.
“There is no injury or anything like that. I have been playing a lot of cricket recently, including the Sri Lanka Tests and back-to-back matches in the Lankan Premier League]. In this weather, it is very tiring, so some rest was needed. Babar also said that it would be better to take some rest because we have important matches coming up,” Naseem said.
Naseem Shah has been in good form in the LPL 2023, taking 10 wickets at an average of 19.40 in seven games for the Colombo Strikers.
Naseem’s economy rate has been impressive too, conceding just over 7 runs at a strike rate of 15.90. He has also managed to take wickets in each of the seven games he has played in.
Babar Azam and Co. start their Asia Cup campaign against Nepal at the Multan Cricket Stadium on August 30 before facing arch-rivals India in a high-voltage clash at the Pallekele International Cricket stadium on September 02.
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