Pakistani cricketer Naseem Shah has spoken about the struggles the team has been having lately in all three formats of the game. He admitted that their recovery was not very good and that they cannot deny that they did not play good cricket and that they will improve in the upcoming matches.

Pakistan’s national cricket team has been struggling to get going lately. Since the 2023 ICC World Cup, they have not been at their best. They faced an elimination in the group stage of the tournament and after that, there was a lot of drama and controversies surrounding the captaincy.

From Babar Azam to Shaheen Afridi and back to Babar Azam, the captaincy of the team was a big talking point. Apart from all the controversies, the team’s performances were not up to the mark as they lost matches and failed to deliver the performances that were expected of them.

Pakistan national cricket team also put in a blistering performance in the recently concluded 2024 T20 World Cup. They suffered horrendous defeats to the United States of America and the Indian national cricket team, and failed to make it to the Super 8 stage of the tournament, for which they seemed favourites.

Speaking about the team’s performance, Naseem Shah said that Bangladesh’s upcoming Test series will be a great opportunity for them to bounce back. He is confident that the team will make a great comeback. Speaking to reporters as per Cricket Pakistan, he explained:

“Yes, our comeback was not very good and we cannot deny that we did not play good cricket. Criticism is part of it and we have to bear it until things get better. This is a good opportunity for us to bounce back, play better and perform as a team. That is what I hope for.”

Pakistan is all set to host Bangladesh in the two-match Test series later this month. The Test series will begin on August 21 in Rawalpindi and the second match will be played in Karachi from August 30.

I haven’t played red cricket for thirteen months – Naseem Shah

Naseem Shah further spoke about his return to Test cricket, saying that he has not played in that format for a long time and it will not be easy for him. He said that he is trying hard and is increasing his speed. He explained:

“I haven’t played red cricket for thirteen months; it’s not easy to play after such a long time. International cricket has its own pressure; however, we are training hard for it.

“I know personally that playing an international match after such a long time is not easy. After returning from injury, I am gradually increasing my shooting load,” he concluded.

Naseem Shah will play a crucial role for the Pakistan team in the upcoming Test series. He will first play for Pakistan Shaheens in the four-day match against Bangladesh A. The match It will be held at the Islamabad Club from August 13 to 16. After the four-day match, Naseem Shah and seven other probables will join the senior team for the Test series.