Mumbai: Questions have been raised over the current age of Pakistani pacer Naseem Shah, who, on last week, at the age of 16 years-279 days made debut against Australia at Brisbane.
Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif took to Twitter and highlighted the fact of article where his age was mentioned as 17 years last year.
Even former West Indies pace bowler Andy Roberts saw "16-year-old Naseem" three years ago.
However, according to his childhood coach Suleiman Qadir, who happens to be late Abdul Qadir's son, the right arm fast bowler Naseem Shah is not losing sleep over this controversy.
Speaking exclusively over telephone from Lahore, he said, "Andy Roberts is not Naseem Shah's father. I can guarantee you that he is 16 years of age. He came to our academy some 4 years ago and was twelve then".
"He has undergone Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) conducted bones tests and a panel of doctors had also confirmed his age. Yes, in the past I do agree that in the absence of birth-certificates the age of certain cricketers were questioned. But in the case of Naseem Shah, he already has a birth certificate and a smart card".
"In our country Smart Card becomes a National Identity Card when a person crosses 18 and Naseem is still holding the Smart Card".
This Reporter could confirm the above facts about the player through sources close to him in Australia.
