Pakistan spinner Usman Qadir: “I am fully committed to the grind and am making myself available for selection across all formats”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan spinner Usman Qadir has reversed his decision to retire and wants to represent the men in green in international cricket again.
Qadir walked away from international cricket in October 2024 and moved to Australia, where he was putting up solid performances.
However, after reflecting on his decision, the 32-year-old son of legendary spinner Abdul Qadir is ready to play for Pakistan in all three formats.
Knowing he won’t walk back into the team, the Lahore native is willing to put in the hard yards to don the national team jersey once again.
To date, Qadir has played 25 T20Is and taken 31 wickets at an average of 18.48 and an economy rate of 7.95.
He has also featured in one ODI and claimed one wicket at an average of 48.
“After a period of deep reflection and a successful stint in Australia, I have decided to officially withdraw my retirement from all formats of international cricket with immediate effect,” he said on X.
“My time playing in Australia was transformative. Achieving 41 wickets and receiving such a positive response reminded me that my competitive edge is as sharp as ever. It proved to me that I still have a significant contribution to make on the global stage.
“Cricket is more than just a sport for me; it is a family legacy. After discussing this with my family and considering my father’s immense contributions to Pakistan cricket, I feel a profound responsibility to continue. My family’s wishes, combined with my own burning desire to represent my country, have made this decision clear.
“I am fully committed to the grind and am making myself available for selection across all formats, starting from the basics, to serve Pakistan cricket to the best of my ability.
“My journey isn’t finished. I am ready to carry forward the spirit of Pakistan cricket once again.”
The Pakistan team are currently involved in a two-Test series against the West Indies, which is being held in Trinidad and Tobago.
They lost the 1st Test by 90 runs and are now battling to secure a win in the ongoing 2nd Test.
Following this, Pakistan will tour England for a three-Test series from August 19 to September 13.
Pakistan Squad for West Indies Test Series: Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah
Pakistan Squad for England Test Series: Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah