Naseem Shah upbeat ahead of new challenge

Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah is upbeat ahead of his first stint in English County Cricket with Gloucestershire.

Shah will be available to play in all formats for the first few months of the 2022 season, up until the end of the Club's participation in the T20 Vitality Blast tournament group stages. If Naseem, however, is called up for international duty from June onwards, he will be released back to Pakistan for participation with his national team.

"First of all I am very excited, when I landed here in Bristol, it's a beautiful city and a beautiful environment. I am very excited to play for this club and very much looking forward to play for them," Shah said in a video posted on Gloucestershire's Twitter account.

"Before I came here, Zafar [Gohar] talked to me about the guys and the team. So, I met all the guys and everyone was so nice and enjoyed a lot here. And just coming from 38 degrees to -1, I have enjoyed that a lot,” he chuckled.

The 19-year-old is keen on doing well for his side with the ball.  

"This is my first time of playing in county cricket, my senior players talk highly about the County cricket. I'm looking forward and hope that I bowl well here," he concluded.

“I’m very excited, Bristol is a beautiful city - look at the ground” ?

Listen to @iNaseemShah’s first interview as a Gloucestershire player ?#GoGlos ?? pic.twitter.com/HyVNey07x4

— Gloucestershire Cricket? (@Gloscricket) April 3, 2022

It must be noted that the right-armer, Shah, has played 11 Tests for Pakistan since making his debut against Australia in 2019.