"Before every big game, I ring my brothers to make sure that our father doesn't watch it" - Naseem Shah on impact of Pakistan matches on his family
Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah detailed how his and the side's performances have affected his father's health adversely. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a stratospheric rise in the cricketing world since his Pakistan debut in 2019.
Naseem became the youngest pacer to bag a five-wicket haul in Tests and a hat-trick at just 16 against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, respectively. Yet, injuries have taken a toll on the youngster, leading him to miss last year's ODI World Cup.
In an interview with Cricbuzz, Naseem Shah opened up about the family aspect of his life and how Pakistan matches have taken a toll on his father's health.
"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 Naseem.
He added:
"There is a lot going on in a cricketer's life behind the scenes about which people are not aware. At times, all you are searching for are small moments of happiness."
Naseem Shah boasts stellar numbers across formats in his brief international career, with 107 wickets and three five-wicket hauls in 59 outings.
He will be in action next when Pakistan take on Bangladesh in a two-Test series at home, starting in Rawalpindi on August 21.
"People come up to me in restaurants and ask me why we lost" - Naseem Shah on Pakistan's defeat to India in 2024 T20 World Cup
Naseem Shah mentioned how fans and even relatives constantly ask him about Pakistan's heartbreaking defeat to India in the recent T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.
After bowling India out cheaply for 119, Pakistan were coasting at 73/2 in 12 overs before a customary collapse ensued. The Men in Green lost their next five wickets for only 29 runs to ultimately finish on 113/7 in 20 overs, six runs short of India's total.
"People come up to me in restaurants and ask me why we lost. Even my relatives have asked about it. I understand their sentiments are driven by the social media and, as a player, all I can do is listen to them," said Naseem.
He continued:
"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."
Naseem Shah had an impressive outing with figures of 3/21 in four overs, followed by a valiant 4-ball 10 with the bat.
However, the loss to India after the shocking defeat to minnows USA meant Pakistan exited from the tournament before the Super Eights.