Pakistan right-arm quick Naseem Shah has been given a lifeline to represent Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League’s Dubai leg that is set to begin from June 1.
The pacer was initially axed from the remainder of the season by the Pakistan Cricket Board for violating COVID-19 protocols. The local star had reportedly breached the bio-secure bubble before the team flew to Abu Dhabi.
Even Fakhar Zaman and Muhammad Amir had sympathised with him on the occasion. But he has now been given a respite.
The cricket board has allowed him to participate in the league after he tested negative for the coronavirus.
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In the first leg of the PSL, Naseem was not a regular starter after Dale Steyn joined the side. With the former South African out of the side, Shah will have a golden opportunity to make it big for his captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.
He and Quetta pace spearhead Muhammad Hasnain will have to bowl with absolute grit and brilliance to keep the batsmen on their toes on the Dubai pitches that don’t support fast bowlers much.
If Shah can cash on this rare moment, he can possible make a comeback into the senior Pakistan side too. Nonetheless, it will be a treat to watch the teenager clock 140kmh+ at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.