PCB withdraws Naseem Shah from ICC U19 World Cup squad

At 16 years and 279 days, Shah became the youngest Test cricketer to make his debut on Australian soil, when he was picked in the Pakistan XI for the first Test in Brisbane. He has since played two more Tests and picked up a five-for in his last, the second Test against Sri Lanka in Karachi, which Pakistan won by 263 runs to

clinch the series, becoming the youngest Test cricketer to snare a five-for in the process.

With a potential scheduling clash between the World Cup and the senior team’s home series against the visiting Bangladesh, and with both the senior and junior teams steadfast in getting hold of the services of the star young bowler, the PCB eventually had to make a call, an ICC report on Wednesday said.

"The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup is a stepping stone for future stars and a platform for budding youngsters to graduate to international cricket,” Wasim Khan, the PCB chief executive officer, said.

“Naseem has recently broken that glass ceiling and has established his credentials as an international cricketer. As such, the PCB has taken a pragmatic approach and decided to withdraw him from next year's competition to provide this opportunity to another promising cricketer so that he can show his mettle and potential at a global
stage," he said.

"This should not deter Pakistan's chances at next year's ICC U19 Cricket World Cup as the selectors have picked a side that is experienced and bubbling with confidence to perform strongly," Wasim said.

The Saleem Jaffar-headed junior team selection panel has picked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mohammad Wasim jnr as Shah’s replacement. As for Naseem, Wasim said he will make himself available for senior team duty.

"Naseem will now remain in Pakistan and continue to work on his skills under the watchful eyes of bowling coach Waqar Younis,” Wasim said. “Furthermore, he will remain available for the home series against Bangladesh.”

Image: UNI