Islamabad, June 17, 2025: Former Pakistani fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed has raised serious questions about the selection of pacer Naseem Shah for the national team, despite an underwhelming display in the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
In a recent interview on a local sports outlet, Tanvir criticized the selectors’ move to name Naseem Shah in the squad for the Bangladesh series, especially when he was not given an opportunity to participate in a single fixture.
“Look, if you picked Naseem Shah for the Bangladesh series and didn’t play him, then why didn’t you play him? His performance in the PSL was completely poor. Just look at his fitness level, his run-up while running, his energy — he’s not even putting in any effort. He has injury issues, so how did he make it into the team?” questioned Tanvir.
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The ex-cricketer went on to hint that Naseem’s selection might have been influenced by his link with Islamabad United, a franchise in the PSL.
“That’s why people are saying this is due to his connection with Islamabad United — since the head coach is also from Islamabad United, and some other players from Islamabad United were also given preference, people are thinking this way and raising these concerns,” he said.
Tanvir also criticized the omission of other in-form bowlers who had performed consistently in domestic cricket and the PSL.
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“Otherwise, Naseem Shah has no place in the team based on merit. In the PSL, Mir Hamza was performing really well, so why wasn’t he selected? Abbas Afridi was also ignored, but as soon as Wasim Jr got injured, Abbas Afridi was added to the team,” he added.
It is important to note that Naseem Shah had a modest tournament, taking nine wickets in 10 games with an economy rate of 9.30.
