Naseem Shah returns to Pakistan for personal reasons

Shah has made four first-team appearances for Gloucestershire in 2022, taking six wickets. No timeline has been given for his return

Naseem Shah has returned to his native Pakistan for personal reasons.

The 19-year-old’s father has recently been taken ill, with Gloucestershire allowing the young bowler as much time as he needs to be with his family. No timeline has been given for his return.

Shah, who has made 11 Test appearances for Pakistan, joined Gloucestershire ahead of the 2022 season and was expected to be available until the end of the T20 Blast group stage.  

He made one appearance in the LV= Insurance County Championship against Northamptonshire, taking one wicket, before being ruled out for a month with a shoulder injury.

^{Naseem Shah in action for Gloucestershire during the T20 Blast [Alex Davidson/Getty Images]}

He returned to action in time for the start of the T20 Blast, picking up five wickets in three outings and posting best figures of 2 for 27 against Sussex Sharks.

Commenting on Shah’s absence, Gloucestershire’s director of performance cricket, Steve Snell, said: "We thoroughly support Naseem’s decision to return home to see his father. Of course we will miss him on the field, but Naseem’s wellbeing and the health of his loved ones far outweigh any cricketing priorities.

"We have loved having Naseem with us as part of the Gloucestershire family and we are looking forward to welcoming him back to us as soon as possible.

"Everyone at Gloucestershire cricket is thinking of Naseem and his family and sending our upmost support."

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.