Naseem not thinking about breaking Shoaib Akhtar’s record of fastest delivery

Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah is not thinking about breaking legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar’s record for fastest delivery, 100.2 mph, as he is focused on improving his overall bowling.

While talking to Cricket Pakistan in an exclusive interview, Naseem, who has only played Test cricket for Pakistan so far, said that he wants to represent Pakistan in other formats of the game as well.   

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“I’m not thinking about it [breaking Shoaib Akhtar’s record for fastest ball in international cricket] because I more focused on improving different aspects of my bowling such as the Yorker,” said Naseem. “I have not played T20 cricket yet and that is something which is also on my radar.”

The 17-year-old quick was also excited about playing for Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“I’m very happy to play and make my debut in front of my home crowd,” he said. “I was rested in the first couple of games as a precautionary measure but I’m fully fit now.”

“I was injured last year and did not play any match but I remained comfortable because of the family like atmosphere in the dressing room,” he added.

The rookier pacer also heaped praise on Quetta captain Sarfaraz Ahmed for guiding him.

“Sarfaraz is a very good leader and he reads the game well. His guidance has been beneficial for me while bowling,” he said. “We have a good team combination and we will try our best to defend the title this season.”

Earlier, pace sensation Naseem became the youngest cricketer in the history of Test cricket to take a hat-trick after his inspired spell of fast-bowling against Bangladesh on day three of the first Test match between the sides at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

“It was obviously a very satisfying moment for me to become the youngest bowler to take a Test hat-trick,” he said. “I have always believed in hard work in order to be successful and this is my message to everyone as well to do the same.”