There was a time not too long ago when Naseem Shah was touted as Pakistan’s next fast-bowling certainty. Raw pace, enough potency to let the ball talk, big-match temperament and that habit of turning games in short bursts. Today, the conversation around him sounds very different.
In the space of a few weeks, Naseem has found himself dealing with both disciplinary trouble and yet another injury setback. First came the controversy around his social media post targeting Punjab chief minister Maryam Nawaz, which resulted in a massive fine of PKR 20 million. Now, a side strain has ruled him out of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. And the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) isn’t ignoring this.
Naseem’s Fitness issues & PCB scrutiny
The latest injury came during a PSL game in Rawalpindi against Karachi Kings. It was not just the injury itself but what it represented. This is not an isolated case. Naseem had already missed Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh after picking up an injury during the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Even before that, he was ruled out of the 2023 ODI World Cup due to fitness problems.
The PCB has taken note. Naseem is expected to appear before a medical panel headed by Dr Javed Mughal, where his workload, recovery and long-term conditioning will come under review. An extensive rehabilitation programme is likely to follow, and there is a real possibility of further action if the board feels the issues are not being addressed seriously.
The fine for his social media post was not a minor reprimand. It was one of the heaviest penalties handed to a Pakistan cricketer, and it came at a time when the board was already concerned about his availability.
There are also murmurs within the system about distractions. Too much time around endorsements, appearances and media commitments, not enough focus on maintaining peak physical condition. Whether entirely fair or not, that perception now exists.
His demotion to Category C in the central contracts list last year was an early warning sign. Naseem is still only 23. The talent has not gone anywhere. But right now, his career is at a point where potential is no longer enough.
