A video of the Pakistan right-arm pacer, Naseem Shah, has gone viral on social media platforms, where the fast bowler was heard speaking fluent Marathi. In the clip, Naseem invites his teammates for tea, describing it as “Chaha pyaayla chala” in Marathi. After drinking tea, he continues to speak in the same language, saying “aata mala bara vatahuy.” 

Reacting to the video, the Pakistan pacer reflected that leagues like the International League T20 (ILT20) host players from across the world. He said that some come from India, others from Pakistan, and some from Australia as well. Most of these players stay together like a family for a month and learn from each other during that period.

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Naseem Shah has been a premier member of the Pakistan side with 60 wickets in 33 Test innings at an average of over 35 and a strike rate of 56.8, with the help of two four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul at the best figures of 5/31 in an innings.

Watch: Naseem Shah speaks Marathi in ILT20 as video goes viral

Naseem, in the 33 innings of ODI cricket, has bagged 60 wickets at an average of nearly 26 and a strike rate of 28.3 with the help of two five-wicket hauls at the best figures of 5/33 in an innings. In 32 innings, the 22-year-old has collected 29 wickets at an average of around 33 and a strike rate of 24.6 with the best figures of 3/21.

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Overall in T20s, Naseem has pocketed 138 wickets in 136 innings at an average of around 30 and a strike rate of 21.9 with an economy rate of just over eight, with the best figures of 5/20 in an innings. Naseem Shah is currently featuring in the ILT20 for the Desert Vipers.

In a recent clash with the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Naseem has picked up a lone wicket for 28 runs in four overs at an economy rate of seven. Against the Dubai Capitals, he has 1/30, while against the Zimbabwe side, he returned wicket figures of 1/31 in his four overs.

Pakistan had an excellent performance during the opening ODI of the three-match series against South Africa at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. The stage was set for the second clash at the same ground, where the focus and pressure were on the Proteas to make a strong comeback. The Rainbow Nation brought Nandre Burger for the fixture.

Burger had the new ball talk inside the power play. He found the outside edge of the left-handed opening batter, Fakhar Zaman, for a three duck before Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan also went back to the dressing room cheaply. However, Salman Agha, Mohammed Nawaz, and Saim Ayub smashed half-centuries to take themselves to a safe position.

See Also: [WATCH] Shivam Dube picks up massive wicket of Tim David during AUS vs IND 4th T20I

Ayub and Agha posted a fine 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Nawaz showed his class for 59 runs at a strike rate of 100 with the help of three boundaries and four sixes. Meanwhile, Agha clubbed 69 runs, scoring five boundaries. But could they have finished on a strong note in their allotted 50 overs?

Watch: Naseem Shah’s six on innings’ last takes Pakistan to 269/9 in 50 overs vs South Africa

On the last ball of the innings, their right-handed batter, Naseem Shah, walked into the middle at number 10 and smashed Nqabayomzi Peter over the extra cover region for a six. He smiled as the entire crowd had a loud cheer to shoulder them to 269/9 in their allotted 50 overs of the first innings. Burger finished with 4/46 in 10 overs, while Peter also collected three wickets.

- Last ball of the innings.
- First ball for Naseem Shah.
- Steps out of the crease and smashes it out of the ground for six.

THE AURA OF NASEEM SHAH. 🔥🥶 pic.twitter.com/aU4Be9LDg8

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) November 6, 2025

In reply, Lhuan-de-Pretorious and wicket-keeper batter, Quinton de Kock, put up a fine opening stand of 81 runs in 11.5 overs. The former missed his fifty by four runs with the help of seven boundaries and one six, while de Kock celebrated a fine century and smashed seven boundaries and as many sixes.

As number three, Tony de Zorzi nailed 76 runs in just 63 balls with the help of nine boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 120.63 as the Proteas looked set to complete the chase by 40 overs.

Pakistan star Naseem Shah played a vital role behind St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots' win over Barbados Royals on match 8 of the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2025). Shah, mostly known for his fast bowling abilities, added some important runs from the lower batting order of Patriots.

In the final over of the first innings, Shah hoisted a ball high in the air for a massive six against Royals pacer Eathan Bosch. Naseem, with a couple of sixes, scored an unbeaten 19 off 11. Interestingly, Patriots won the game versus Barbados Royals by only 12 runs.

Batting first, St. Kitts scored a fightable total of 174 for 8 wickets. Kyle Mayers (42) and captain Jason Holder (38) played precious innings to push their run wheel. The target was chase-able, but the Patriots had their proper game plan to defend their score. Jason Holder led his team to glory from the front with his all-round display. After adding some important runs, the all-rounder bagged 4 scalps while defending their total. Shah and Navin Bidaisee claimed a brace each. The top order of Barbados Royals tried to bat with a promising approach. They struggled and lost the match for a collapsing middle and lower-middle batting unit.

Read More: WATCH: KKR star Rinku Singh's whirlwind 108-run innings snatch a near impossible victory

A lone fight from Kadeem 

Kadeem Alleyne troubled the St. Kitts bowlers a lot. The batter slammed a couple of 4s and three 6s to score 42 off 28. Though a single forty-plus run knock was not enough for Barbados to snatch a crucial victory. Abbas Afridi helped Patriots to get rid of the swashbuckling batsman. 

Apart from Alleyne, there was no such notable batting display for the Royals batting side. Before the conclusion of the 19th over, they lost all of their wickets and allowed the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots to win the match by 12 runs. Jason Holder got the man of the match award for scoring 38 off 21 with the bat and clinching 4 wickets during bowling duties. 

Naseem the dream sends it into orbit! 🪐

You won’t find that one! 🔥#CPL25 #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #SKNPvBR #iflycaribbean pic.twitter.com/eDC8S2STEG

— CPL T20 (@CPL) August 22, 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently unveiled a 17-man squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, with Salman Ali Agha appointed as captain. While the squad features several promising youngsters, it notably excludes experienced stars Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and pacer Naseem Shah. Instead, selectors opted for Mohammad Wasim Jr. to bolster the pace unit. The absence of Babar and Rizwan is not entirely surprising, as Pakistan already played without them in T20I series against Bangladesh and the West Indies earlier this year.

However, the decision has sparked strong reactions, with former Pakistan pacer Tanvir Ahmed suggesting that both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan should consider retiring from international cricket if they feel undervalued by the board. According to Ahmed, the duo may interpret their omission from the Asia Cup 2025 squad as a sign of disrespect. He even compared their situation to Virat Kohli’s career path, implying the players could weigh retirement as an option if they continue to feel sidelined.

See Also: Investigation confirms match-fixing probe in recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League

“If Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are feeling disrespected, I request them to consider retiring from International cricket. We have examples like Virat Kohli in front of us”, expressed the former speedster via his social media handles.

Why Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were moved out of squad?

Once ranked as the No.1 T20I batter, Babar Azam now finds himself excluded from Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, marking a dramatic decline. His return as captain during the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA ended in disappointment, with Pakistan crashing out in the group stage. Mohammad Rizwan, who was also part of that campaign, has faced a similar downfall. While some argue they were unfairly dropped, the duo have underperformed in recent outings. Head coach Mike Hesson stressed Babar must improve specific areas of his game to make a comeback.

Hesson further suggested that Babar should consider opportunities in franchise cricket, such as the Big Bash League (BBL), to rebuild form and confidence. Meanwhile, former pacer Tanvir Ahmed has stirred debate by questioning the inclusion of Fakhar Zaman in the Asia Cup squad. The left-hander, who suffered a hamstring injury in the West Indies series, may have been rushed back too soon. His performance in the Asia Cup will likely determine if his selection was justified or forced.

The anticipation is brewing as the tenth installment of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 10) approaches, as fans prepare themselves for another dramatic season of high-octane cricket. Having completed the PSL 2025 Draft, team lineups have been completed and everyone looks towards Islamabad United (IU), the most decorated franchise in the history of PSL and reigning champions.

Islamabad United have long been synonymous with shrewd squad management, combining international match-winners with the best Pakistani talent. Their strategy has worked time and again, with two PSL titles already to their name and a third added in the last season. With PSL 10 just around the corner, United are once again loaded with firepower in all departments.

Also Read: PSL 2025: Islamabad United Schedule for PSL 10

This article features the Islamabad United complete roster for PSL 2025. Whether you are a long-time fan or have recently been introduced to the team, below is an overview of the players who will be donning the Red Storm colors in their bid to defend the title. 

Islamabad United Squad 2025

The following is a list of all the confirmed players picked in the PSL 2025 Draft. United has held on to some of its biggest match-winners while supplementing with fresh faces to uphold its championship advantage. With explosive hitters to death-over specialists, this team will be a winner.

There are six categories of players in PSL:

• Platinum 
• Diamond
• Gold
• Silver
• Emerging
• Supplementary

Islamabad United enter PSL 10 with a well-rounded and star-laden squad. Captain Shadab Khan continues leading his team with enthusiasm and good tactical awareness, along with the contributions of players that helped in their various championship drives. The addition of overseas talent, including Alex Hales, Tom Curran, and Reece Topley, makes them even more likely to make a deep run in the tournament.

Islamabad United: Key Players to watch out for

These are the highlight players who are expected to hold key positions in Islamabad United's tour:

• Shadab Khan
• Naseem Shah
• Jason Holder
• Matthew Short
• Imad Wasim
• Azam Khan
• Rassie van der Dussen
• Colin Munro

Islamabad United have never been known to compromise their style of playing dashing cricket and grooming future legends. Having won the trophy in PSL 1, 3, and now PSL 9, they're confident of adding a fourth trophy in 2025. With their strong team and winning vibes surrounding them, they're strong favorites to conquer PSL 10.

During a recent game, Saud Shakeel executed an unbelievable no-look shot that took everyone by surprise his opponent, Naseem Shah included. The shot was so fine that even Naseem, who is quite competitive, could not resist giving a round of applause.

The moment soon went viral, with fans hailing Shakeel's technique and confidence. A no-look shot is a shot that needs incredible skill, timing, and faith in one's capability, and Shakeel pulled it off perfectly. Naseem's response made the moment even more endearing, reflecting the real sportsman spirit.

ALSO SEE: Micheal Clarke Admits Jasprit Bumrah Is An Absolute Freak

Saud Shakeel played a remarkable No look shot that even impressed his Opponent Naseem Shah, who was seen clapping for him#NationalT20 #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/4nat0GNOuZ

— Au Rangzab Younis (@SardarAurangzab) March 18, 2025

Cricket enthusiasts adore such moments of magic, and this one will be etched in memory as an exhibition of talent and respect between two of the best players.

The Hundred Tournament is a new format of the game that occurs in England and Wales which was introduced by ECB in 2021 to increase the fast pace of the game. It's a format where each team faces 100 balls per innings irrespective of the wickets. The tournament consists of eight teams and the matches were back-to-back conducted on the same grounds. The interesting thing about it is the tickets you bought are applicable for both men's and women's matches. 

The eight teams that compete in the tournament are Birmingham Phoenix, London Spirit, Manchester Originals, Northern Superchargers, Southern Brave, Trent Rockets, Welsh Fire, and London Superchargers. It has some unique confrontation of the game and the salaries offered are double which attracts more and more players which designates the other three formats of the game. 

Read more: Gambhir To Travel England With India Team A

Format And Its Former Winners

During the Hundred format each teams plays eight matches at their group stages seperating four away and four home matches. The top 3 highest points considered teams moves to the knockout stage where the final commences at the Lord's Ground which is considered as the mecca of cricket. Last year in 2024 Oval invincibles claimed the title which was considered as mega blockbuster show and was considered as frontline entertainment stride. 

In this year's 100 tournament, many players have drafted their names. As the salary offered is double that the other leagues expect the IPL and the window gates won't too clash as the tournament commences in August where players get ample time, but it's not easy to be drafted into this league which consists of heavy competition where players are picked more carefully and the players who have the reputation of hitting big hits and constrain along with the game are only picked. 

Read more: I am suprised By This Player Form Says Mohammad Kaif

Pakistan Players Were Not Preferred In Draft

Its been reported that total 45 Pakistani players registered for the tournament but none of them were selected which was the center talk of the highlights. Players like Naseem Shah, Shadab khan, Imad Wasim and Saheen Shah Afridi registered their names but intrestingly none of them were picked. It has created a wide spread debate why Pakistan players have been neglected from the drafts. 

Even though some of the overseas slots were remaining empty. Yet the reason behind this decision has not yet been disclosed which leads to speculation about potential factors influencing team selections. Though New Zealand and Australian players gained huge contracts where former Australian captain Steve Smith was picked by Welsh Fire. Another point of negligence would be the performance of the players because the drafts are picked according to the current forms too. 

India vs. Pakistan: The Final Clash in Champions Trophy 2025

The excitement reaches its peak with rivals India and Pakistan gearing up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 23 in Dubai. One can expect all that high-voltage drama with some intense battles on the field, and thus this match could well be the most awaited duel of the entire tournament. The cricketers of both teams are all-stars, and here's how some of these players could take this game down to the ground.

Key Players to Watch

Virat Kohli:

1. One of India's most consistent performers, Kohli thrives in pressure situations.
2. With over 14,000 runs in ODIs and a phenomenal record against Pakistan, his ability to anchor an innings or accelerate when needed makes him a key figure.

Career Averages

Rohit Sharma:

1. The Indian captain is a big scorer in important games. With three double centuries in ODIs 
2.  history of scoring against Pakistan, his opening will be vital.

Career Averages

Jasprit Bumrah: 

1. India's pace spearhead, Bumrah's ability to bowl toe-crushing yorkers and deliver in crunch moments makes him a nightmare for any batter.
2.  His matchup against Pakistan's top order will be fascinating to watch.

Career Averages

Babar Azam:

1.  Pakistan's mainstay with bat, Babar has been a very consistent force in world cricket.
2. He had an ODI average of close to 60.
3.  How the Pakistan side balances him out could be important going forward, howeve

Career Averages

Naseem Shah:

1.  The young pace sensation can generate sharp swing and pace, making him a dangerous prospect against India's top order.
2. His battle with Rohit Sharma in the powerplay could set the tone for the match.

Career Averages

ALSO READ:Australian Coach McDonald: Pat Cummins Unlikely to Play, Team Needs New Captain for Champions Trophy 2025

Why You Should Watch This Match
Historic Rivalry:India vs. Pakistan is more than just a cricket match; it's an emotional rollercoaster that captures the attention of millions worldwide.
Star-studded lineups: Kohli, Rohit, Babar, and Bumrah will play; the match is going to be a class act from the word go.
it's going to be a do-or-die match that will decide the tournament for sure. The pressure is going to be on more in this encounter as the fight is going to be fierce enough.
Tactical battles :the Bumrah-Babar clash and Naseem vs. Rohit.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad of Pakistan: Full Squad confirmed
Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad with all names released, carrying the old and new
The squad is aiming to improve on the positives, showcasing a pack of run-getters in attack and all-rounder versatile as well with a strong quicks bowling attack

Full Squad 

• Mohammad Rizwan (Captain) : The wicketkeeper-batsman brings stability and consistency, both with the bat and behind the stumps.
• Babar Azam: A top-order batter, known for his calm and composed performances, he will be key to Pakistan's success.
• Fakhar Zaman: The explosive opener who has previously played a crucial role in Pakistan's victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy final.
• Faheem Ashraf: All-rounder, a crucial player with the ball and bat, offering balance to the team.
• Khushdil Shah: A hard-hitting middle-order batsman, known for his ability to finish games.
• Salman Ali Agha: A versatile all-rounder who can play important roles both with the bat and the ball.
• Usman Khan: A quick bowler with the ability to be a potent game-changer through his pace and his ability to pick wickets.
  
• Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed: Most crucial for middle overs, especially when it comes to spinning conditions.
  
• Haris Rauf: The quickest of the bowlers and crucial in the powerplay/dead of the night both overs for crucial wickets.
  
• Hasnain Mohammad: A young gun with a pace to burn, always likes to get his powder going.
  
• Naseem Shah: Pakistan's upcoming prodigy with a lit bit of everything so has the chance to get a breakthrough in all conditions.
  
• Shaheen Shah Afridi: another of the best left-arm paces in world cricket his all-around ability to bowl fast and accurately will be key.
  
• Kamran Ghulam: Talented lower-order batsman adding some more quality technique to the middle order.
  
• Saud Shaheen Shakeel: The other middle-order batsman of quality and with the potential to anchor middle overs.
  
• Tayyab Tahir: More stitch in the batting department to give the team some more options.

ICC Champions Trophy 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ winners announce squad for the 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ event 🏆✨

How will you show your support for the Pakistan team❓#ChampionsTrophy | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/zDYPFuqzBU

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 31, 2025

Pakistan squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

ALSO READ:India Dominates England to Reach ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup Final

The cricketing world was taken aback when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to young pacer Naseem Shah for his participation in the upcoming The Hundred tournament.

The Hundred tournament

The Hundred, a revolutionary 100-ball cricket tournament in England, has garnered massive attention since its inception. This year, Birmingham Phoenix drafted Naseem Shah for a substantial sum of £125,000, reflecting their belief in his potential to be a game-changer.

See Also: On this day: India script history with NatWest win in 2002; Iconic celebration by Ganguly at Lord’s

Reasons for NOC denial

The PCB’s decision to withhold Shah’s NOC primarily revolves around workload management and injury prevention. Given his recent injury history and the rigorous demands of international cricket, the board aims to ensure that Shah remains fit and available for crucial national duties.

Naseem Shah’s shoulder injury

Naseem Shah underwent shoulder surgery in October 2023, an injury that unfortunately sidelined him from the ICC World Cup 2023, where Pakistan’s campaign ended prematurely. The surgery required an extensive rehabilitation period of four to six weeks, followed by a gradual return to competitive cricket.

Naseem Shah’s Return to Cricket

After months of recovery, Shah made a triumphant return to the field during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024, where he played a pivotal role in Islamabad United’s title-winning campaign. His subsequent performances for the national team in T20Is and the T20 World Cup underscored his resilience and skill, reaffirming his importance to Pakistan cricket.

PCB’s stance on player workload

The PCB has consistently emphasized the importance of managing player workload to prevent injuries and ensure peak performance during critical matches. With key international fixtures on the horizon, including the World Test Championship matches against Bangladesh, the board is keen to keep its top players in optimal condition.

Impact on Birmingham Phoenix

The denial of NOC to Naseem Shah is a significant blow for Birmingham Phoenix, who had high hopes for the young pacer’s contributions. The team will now need to reassess their strategy and possibly look for a replacement to fill the void left by Shah’s absence.

Other players affected by PCB’s decisions

While Naseem Shah’s NOC was denied, Usama Mir has been granted permission to participate in The Hundred. However, other prominent Pakistani players like Shaheen Afridi and Imad Wasim are still awaiting their NOCs. Earlier reports indicated that NOCs for players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for the Global T20 Canada were also under consideration, pending ICC approval.