'We don't really care what India think' - PCB rubbishes controversy surrounding Naseem Shah's age

A 16-year-old Naseem Shah, shedding tears while receiving his maiden Test cap earlier this week before troubling the likes of Joe Burns and David Warner with his pace, made the youngster a worldwide sensation. At an age when most of the youngsters struggle even to break into the age-level teams, Shah is locking horns against some of the best in the world.

But out of nowhere, the Pakistan sensation found his name being dragged in an age-related controversy as a number of cricket fans took to their social media accounts to question his age. It all started when an article published by Pakistan’s Dawn quoted West Indian great Andy Roberts calling Naseem a great 16-year old talent. The only problem was that the article was published in 2016.

Naseem’s name started trending on social media as fans questioned his age. In fact, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif also followed suit by taking a dig at Naseem. Kaif said that while the bowler is looking like a ‘terrific prospect’, he is aging backwards. The ex-cricketer made the claim after coming across a tweet from a Pakistani journalist where he said that Naseem is 17-year old.

Pakistan Cricket Board responds

Baffled by the recent turn of events, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rubbished the claims and insisted that Naseem Shah is 16-year old. Wasim Khan, PCB’s Chief Executive, did not mince his words at all as he slammed those questioning the pacer’s age. He also took a shot at India for the controversy as he threw his support behind the player.

“You only need to look at his face,” Khan told The Tonk according to Nine Network Australia. “He’s hardly got any growth on his face. In terms of that, people question it no doubt, just because of his age and the fact that he’s a mature lad and the fact that he’s playing international cricket at this age.”

“But the bottom line is he’s 16 years old and he’s playing. We don’t really care what India think,” he added.

Naseem Shah, meanwhile, managed to leave a mark in his first outing in international cricket. While he managed to pick up just one wicket, he impressed one and all with his pace. Warner, who scored 154 in the ongoing game, was Naseem’s first international wicket.

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