Lot of emotions attached: Naseem Shah opens up on playing against India

Naseem Shah, who has been part of two losses and a win against arch-rivals India in the ODI and T20 World Cups, opened up on the tough challenge of facing the neighbours on the field and then battling the fans' reactions on social media. 

"There are a lot of emotions attached to such matches,” Shah told Cricbuzz on August 19 (Monday). Explaining the frustration after Pakistan lost the game while chasing a modest target of 120, Naseem added, “There are some things that you keep to yourself. A lot had pent-up and many things flashed before me at that point... There have been very few moments in life when I have felt the need to have someone who can talk positively to me."

At the age of 21, Naseem has already played enough international cricket and been part of tough matches to know how it can affect his family members, especially in this age of social media. 

“My father is going through some health issues. There was a time when he did not know anything about cricket, but now he watches every ball and gets distressed when we lose. 

So, before every big game, I ring my brothers to make sure that our father doesn't watch it. I fear that it may lead to some bigger health complications. It [the pressure] is like I am playing two matches at once,” said the Punjab-born pacer, who has so far been distinctive in terms of not having a bad temper like most of the other speed merchants of his time or before him. 

Reacting to crictics targetting the players on social media, Naseem said, “Though I was not being targeted by the fans or the media, one cannot be satisfied and say I did my bit after your team loses.” 

“I am a person who wants to win. I get disappointed even when I lose while playing at home or in my street. I play to win and the World Cup exit pained me a lot,” added the player who has been named in the playing 11 for the first of the two Tests against Bangladesh, starting August 21 in Rawalpindi. 

Saying that he understands that the emotions of the people are driven by social media these days, Naseem hoped that he could bring some happiness to them and end their frustration now, after a terrible 2024 T20 World Cup. 

"There are times when you feel that you cannot put up with it anymore. But, it also burns a desire for a comeback. People had many questions to ask and there was a lot of frustration in them, which is understandable. Now, we have an opportunity to win hearts again by playing good cricket,” said the man with 51 wickets in 17 Tests. 

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.