Naseem Shah faces turbulent stretch

Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah finds himself at the centre of another storm, with disciplinary issues and renewed fitness concerns converging at a difficult moment in his career. After receiving a record PKR 20 million fine for criticising Punjab chief minister Maryam Nawaz on social media, the 21‑year‑old has now been ruled out of the Pakistan Super League due to a side strain suffered during Rawalpindi’s clash with Karachi Kings. 

Sources say the Pakistan Cricket Board is preparing further action, frustrated by both his physical setbacks and his behaviour. Naseem will undergo an extended rehabilitation programme overseen by the PCB’s medical panel, as the board seeks clarity on his long‑term durability. 

Insiders argue that off‑field distractions, from commercial commitments to podcast appearances, have hindered his development. His absence from the 2023 ODI World Cup remains a lingering blemish, and concerns are mounting over whether he can regain consistent form.