Pakistan quick Naseem Shah will line up against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, even though his family house in Lower Dir came under gunfire early on Monday. Unknown attackers shot at the front gate before fleeing; police say no one was hurt.
Officers have opened an investigation and, according to Dawn, assured Naseem’s father that “the assailants would be brought to justice quickly”. The 22-year-old fast bowler, already in camp, has told team officials he is comfortable staying with the squad. For now, there is no change to his workload and he is available for all three ODIs and the T20I tri-series that follows.
Details of the incident remain sketchy. It is not yet clear who was inside the house at the time or why the property was targeted. Two of Naseem’s younger brothers – Hunain and Ubaid – are also professional cricketers and occasionally stay at the family home when domestic fixtures allow. Police have not said whether they were present.
Hunain, still only 19, struck the winning runs for Islamabad United in the 2024 PSL final and, last week, chipped in with a half-century and six wickets in a one-sided Quaid-e-Azam Trophy game. Ubaid, on Multan Sultans’ books, played for Lahore Whites a fortnight ago. Both head back to their provincial teams later this week.
From Pakistan’s point of view, retaining a fit Naseem is significant. The right-armer’s high-pace new-ball spells balance a seam attack that includes Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim. Losing him would have left Babar Azam’s side thin on experience, especially with Zimbabwe also joining the T20 leg.
Security incidents around touring and home players are, sadly, not new to Pakistan cricket. The PCB’s security unit is monitoring developments but, for the moment, coaches are more concerned with overs quotas than police briefings. If the investigation drags on, travel arrangements could be tweaked, yet sources insist any changes would be precautionary rather than reactive.
In short, the cricket goes ahead and, crucially for Pakistan, Naseem will be at the top of his mark when the first ball is bowled tomorrow.
