Naseem Shah Joins SNGPL for President’s Trophy, Available for Third Round

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has joined Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) for the ongoing domestic season and will be available for the team’s third-round fixture in the President’s Trophy, beginning Thursday.

An SNGPL official confirmed that Naseem will remain available for the rest of the tournament. The fast bowler was not included in any of the eight departmental squads when the Pakistan Cricket Board initially announced the teams.

Naseem will be joined at SNGPL by Pakistan batter Abdullah Shafique and Pakistan Under-19 captain Farhan Yousaf, who have also linked up with the side ahead of their match against Markhor IT Solutions in Peshawar.

Central contracts lead to increased domestic participation

A number of Pakistan’s international players have featured in the President’s Trophy this season following the introduction of new central-contract requirements.

Under the revised contracts, players in Category A, which primarily consists of Test specialists, are required to play at least six domestic first-class matches during a season. Players in Category AB, comprising Test and ODI specialists, must play at least four, while those in Category BC, which covers white-ball specialists, are required to appear in a minimum of two first-class matches.

The changes are designed to ensure Pakistan’s centrally contracted players remain involved in domestic cricket and gain regular first-class experience.

Naseem looking to return to Test contention

Naseem’s most recent Test appearance came in December 2024, when Pakistan suffered a two-wicket defeat to South Africa in Centurion. He missed the second Test after developing chest congestion and was subsequently left out of the squad for Pakistan’s home Test series against West Indies, as the selectors opted for a spin-heavy combination.

Since then, Naseem has played only one domestic first-class match. He represented Lahore Region Whites against Islamabad Region in last year’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, while his involvement in Pakistan’s home T20I and ODI series against South Africa restricted his opportunities in domestic cricket.

The President’s Trophy provides Naseem with an opportunity to build his match fitness and push for a return to Pakistan’s Test squad. Pakistan are scheduled to host Sri Lanka for a Test series in November, with a limited-overs series preceding it.

Pakistan’s fast-bowling department has faced increasing scrutiny over recent months, particularly regarding pace and the ability to consistently generate movement with both the new and old ball. Naseem had established himself as one of Pakistan’s leading fast bowlers after making his international debut, and a strong domestic campaign could strengthen his case for a return to the national side.

SNGPL seek turnaround

SNGPL, runners-up in the previous edition of the President’s Trophy, have endured a difficult start to the current tournament.

They are currently at the bottom of the points table after two rounds, having recorded one draw and one defeat.

The addition of Naseem, Abdullah Shafique and Farhan Yousaf will provide the side with further international and emerging talent as they look to revive their campaign in the third round.