Former Pakistani Test pacer Tanvir Ahmed who represented Pakistan in the mid‑2000s recently criticized the selection of Naseem Shah for the national white‑ball squad. Speaking to a local sports media outlet Tanvir expressed concern over Shahs recent performances and fitness stating . On merit Naseem Shah doesnt deserve to be in the team right now Tanvir openly asserted.
He was particularly vocal about Shahs inclusion in the T20I squad for the Bangladesh series which saw Shah included but ultimately not played in any match .
Poor PSL Campaign and Fitness Worries
Tanvir noted that Naseems showing in Pakistan Super League PSL X was unsatisfactory. Despite participating in 10 matches Shah managed just nine wickets and conceded runs at an economy rate of 9.30.
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He further commented
His performance in the PSL was completely poor. Just look at his fitness level his run‑up while running and his energy. Hes not even putting in any effort. He has injury issues so how did he make it into the team .Tanvir expressed that Shahs recurring injury issues and lack of sharpness should have ruled him out of national consideration
Allegations of Favouritism
The former bowler hinted at potential institutional bias suggesting that Shahs association with Islamabad United might have influenced selectors. He drew attention to possible franchise-conflict dynamics .Thats why people are talking — saying its Islamabad Uniteds influence referring to Shahs affiliation with the Islamabad franchise .
He also raised eyebrows at connections between national team coaches and Islamabad United suggesting these overlaps may invite conflict of interest concerns
Overlooked Performers Mir Hamza and Abbas Afridi
Tanvir further criticized the selectors for neglecting in-form domestic bowlers like Mir Hamza and Mohammad Abbas Afridi. He stated In the PSL Mir Hamza was performing really well so why wasnt he selected Abbas Afridi was ignored too and only brought in when Wasim Jr got injured .
He argued that if merit were the guiding principle these bowlers would have been preferred over Shah .
Naseem Shahs Recent Form in Context
To date Naseem Shah has played 10 PSL matches taking 9 wickets with a high economy of 9.30 runs per over
For comparison Mir Hamza and Abbas Afridi reportedly delivered stronger performances during the same tournament though precise stats arent detailed in Tanvirs comments
While Shah has previously shown flashes of brilliance — such as becoming the second-youngest fast bowler to take a Test five‑for in December 2019 and the youngest pace bowler to achieve a Test hat‑trick in February 2020 — his recent white-ball form appears to have declined
Broader Implications for Selection Transparency
Tanvirs remarks drive attention to a deeper problem in selection processes whether merit alone should guide team composition in the Pakistan cricket system. He implied that transparency and equity are needed in talent evaluation especially given shifting franchise‑board connections
The sidelining of consistent domestic performers raises questions about the fairness and objectivity of selection
Naseem Shah Career Highlights and Challenges
Early Career and International Breakthrough
Born 15 February 2003 Shah burst onto the international scene in November 2019 at age 16 debuting in a Test series against Australia .
He became the youngest pace bowler to take a Test hat‑trick Feb 2020 and the second‑youngest fast bowler to record a Test five‑wicket haul .
Recent International Play
Shah has been in and out of the limited-overs squads ODI debut in August 2022 vs Netherlands T20I debut in August 2022 vs India .
He has been intermittently hampered by injuries which have affected both performance and availability—a point echoed by cricket psychologist Adrian McInman who highlighted fitness as a broader issue among Pakistans pace attack .
Conclusion Merit vs Association
At the heart of Tanvirs criticism is this Shahs recent form and health suggest he has no place in the team on merit. Worse yet selection decisions may be influenced by franchise ties rather than performance—a concern which for Tanvir undermines team integrity and fairness .
His broader rebuke serves as a call for more rigorous transparent selection criteria especially when top-performing domestic players are overlooked. With rising pressure from fans and experts alike the selection committee may face renewed scrutiny to justify or reassess Shahs place in the national setup .