New Delhi: Pakistan’s poor performance at the T20 World Cup caused him a lot of grief, says their star pacer Naseem Shah.
Pakistan lost to India the group stage, unable to chase down a target of 120 runs, after which they lost to USA and failed to qualify for the Super Six stage.
The team received strong criticism with Pakistan Cricket Board making sweeping changes in team personnel and coaching staff.
“Though I was not being targeted by the fans or the media, one cannot be satisfied and say I did my bit after your team loses. I am a person who wants to win,” Shah told Cricbuzz.
“I get disappointed even when I lose while playing at home or in my street. I play to win and the World Cup exit pained me a lot.
“People come up to me in restaurants and ask me why we lost. Even my relatives have asked about it. I understand their sentiments are driven by social media and, as a player, all I can do is listen to them,” the quick added.
Motivated for comeback
The right armer hurt his shoulder and missed the 2023 ODI World Cup, where too Pakistan crashed out of the group stage after a loss to India.
He admitted that often the criticism amd questions even from his family and inner circle were too overbearing. But it has only made him motivated to play better.
“There are times when you feel that you cannot put up with it anymore. But, it also burns a desire for a comeback. People had many questions to ask and there was a lot of frustration in them, which is understandable,” Shah said.
“Now, we have an opportunity to win the hearts again by playing good cricket,” the fast bowler added that now his aim is to drive Pakistan to a win in their two-Test match seriew against Bangladesh, starting on August 21.
Pakistan lost to India the group stage, unable to chase down a target of 120 runs, after which they failed to qualify for the Super Six stage of the T20 World Cup. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
