Naseem Shah was born on 15 February 2003 in Mayar Jandool, Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Raised in a Pashtun family, he developed a passion for cricket playing tape-ball matches in his hometown. Despite limited means, his talent shone early. At age 13, his uncle enrolled him at the Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy in Lahore, allowing him to begin structured training. There, under seasoned coaches, Naseem quickly caught attention for his raw pace and natural bowling rhythm. His journey from a small village to a national platform reflects sheer determination, discipline, and a deep love for the game.
Known for his fiery pace and disciplined work ethic, Naseem is a right-arm fast bowler capable of regularly hitting speeds above 145 km/h, often touching 147.5 km/h . He remains grounded and humble, prioritizing fitness, recovery, and maintaining a quiet, focused lifestyle. Enjoying simple favorites like tea and the color green, he values family and cultural roots.
Naseem is the son of Abbas Shah, who initially wanted him to focus on studies and seek work abroad. He tragically lost his mother in November 2019, just one day before making his Test debut. He has two sisters and four brothers. Notably, younger brothers Hunain and Ubaid Shah have followed him into fast bowling: Hunain at first-class level and Ubaid in Pakistan’s Under‑19 team. As of mid‑2025, Naseem is unmarried and not publicly linked to any partner. In February 2023, he was also honored with the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Balochistan.
Starting local tape‑ball cricket at around 5 years old, Naseem’s raw talent caught the attention of coaches. He progressed quickly: joining Lahore’s Under-16 squad at 13 and Pakistan’s Under-16 team by 14. He made his first-class debut in September 2018 for Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
His domestic performances earned him a fast-tracked selection into the Test squad to tour Australia, despite having only five first-class matches under his belt.
Debut: 21 November 2019 vs Australia at The Gabba.
Stats (as of mid-2025): 20 Tests, 60 wickets at 35.13 avg, 3.70 economy, 2 five-wicket hauls; best figures 6/85.
Milestones: At 16y307d became the 2nd youngest to take a Test five-for; secured a Test hat-trick vs Bangladesh in Feb 2020—the youngest ever.
Debut: 16 August 2022 vs Netherlands at Rotterdam.
Stats: 28 matches, 50 wickets at 24.72 avg, 5.36 economy, with best bowling of 5/33 (recording two 5‑wicket hauls).
Debut: 28 August 2022 vs India at Dubai.
Stats: 30 matches, 25 wickets at 34.68 avg, 8.01 economy; best 3/21.
Highlight: First #10/11 batsman to finish a T20I chase with back-to-back sixes against Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2022
| Format | Matches | Innings | Wickets | Avg | Econ | Best BBI | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 20 | 33 | 60 | 35.13 | 3.70 | 6/85 | 2 | 0 |
| ODI | 28 | 27 | 50 | 24.72 | 5.36 | 5/33 | 0* | 0 |
| T20I | 30 | 29 | 25 | 34.68 | 8.01 | 3/21 | 0 | 0 |
Naseem Shah has represented teams like Quetta Gladiators (until 2023) and Islamabad United in PSL, and featured in overseas leagues including The Hundred (Welsh Fire, Birmingham Phoenix), BPL, CPL, and LPL. In the 2023 PSL, he claimed 7 wickets in 9 games for Quetta . Despite IPL absence, his franchise-level experience shows his adaptability across T20 formats.
In October 2023, Naseem underwent successful shoulder surgery after sustaining an injury during the Asia Cup match vs India—ruling him out of the 2023 World Cup. He described the recovery as mentally tough, facing a “13‑month hiatus” before returning in the next PSL. His resolve saw him return fit and bowling well in PSL, signaling a positive trajectory post-surgery.
