Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah will remain with the national squad for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, despite an incident in which unknown assailants fired at the gate of his family home in Lower Dir early Monday morning.
According to local reports, the attackers fired several shots before fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported. Police have opened an investigation, while Naseem’s father met with local authorities, who assured him that the suspects would be traced and arrested.
Team sources confirmed that the incident does not affect Naseem’s availability for the ODI series. He is expected to train and play as required. Pakistan will host Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series beginning Tuesday in Rawalpindi, followed later this month by a T20 tri-series also featuring Zimbabwe. Naseem is part of both squads.
It remains unclear whether any family members were at the residence when the incident occurred. Naseem’s two younger brothers, Hunain Shah and Ubaid Shah, are also professional cricketers. Hunain recently played in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and was in the spotlight earlier this year after scoring the winning runs for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League final. Ubaid, meanwhile, represents Multan Sultans and last appeared for Lahore Whites in domestic cricket at the end of last month.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has not issued a public statement on the incident. However, cricket fans and fellow players have expressed support for Naseem and his family on social media.
The ODI series in Rawalpindi is set to proceed as scheduled.
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