Firing at national cricketer’s home damages gate, windows and a parked vehicle
LOWER DIR:
Five suspects have been arrested after unknown gunmen opened fire at the home of national cricket team fast bowler Naseem Shah, police said on Sunday.
According to authorities, the incident took place at Shah’s residence in Mayar, Lower Dir, where the assailants targeted the main gate, windows and a parked vehicle. The police immediately arrived at the scene, but the suspects managed to escape before they were apprehended.
“Unknown assailants opened fire at the residence of national cricket team fast bowler Naseem Shah,” a police spokesman said. “The firing damaged the main gate, windows and a vehicle of the property. Police reached the spot and five suspects have been arrested. Mayar police station has registered a case and further action is on to arrest those involved.”
The authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack.
Naseem Shah, 22, is one of Pakistan’s most promising fast bowlers. Born on February 15, 2003 in Mayar, Lower Dir, Shah rose through the domestic cricket ranks before making his international debut. He made his Test debut in November 2019 against Australia and has since featured in Pakistan’s ODI and T20 squads.
Early in his career, Shah became the second-youngest bowler from Pakistan to take a five-wicket haul in a Test match, achieving the feat against Sri Lanka. Known for his pace and ability to swing the ball, he has emerged as a key member of Pakistan’s pace attack at a young age.
Authorities said the investigation into the incident is ongoing. “Mayar police station has registered a case and further action is on to arrest those involved,” the police added.
The attack comes as a reminder of the security challenges high-profile sports figures in the country face. Law enforcement officials said the suspects are being questioned and police are working to determine the motive behind the attack.
Shah remains active in domestic and national cricket and represents Pakistan in international matches. Officials have assured that security measures are being reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
