Naseem Shah Recalled to SNGPL Squad for Ongoing President's Trophy

Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah has joined Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) for the third round of the ongoing first-class President's Trophy.

Squad Boost: SNGPL welcomed Naseem Shah alongside top-order batter Abdullah Shafique and Pakistan U19 captain Farhan Yousaf as they look to turn their campaign around following a defeat in the second round.

Match Availability: Naseem is available for SNGPL's third-round fixture against Markhor IT Solutions in Peshawar and is expected to remain with the squad for the rest of the domestic season. Central Contract Compliance: His inclusion follows PCB's revised central contract guidelines mandating top international players to participate in domestic first-class red-ball cricket.

Naseem will be eager to put his name in contention for the home Tests against Sri Lanka in November and the limited-overs series that precedes them. Pakistan fast bowlers are under scrutiny because of their dwindling speeds and lack of ability to move the new and old ball with control and precision, all the qualities which Naseem possessed when he made his international debut.

SNGPL, the runners-up of the last edition, are currently at the bottom of the points table with a draw and a defeat from their two games.

Test Comeback Trail: Having last featured in a Test match in December 2024 against South Africa, the tournament serves as a key platform for Naseem to build match fitness ahead of Pakistan's upcoming Test series.