Pakistan Cricketer retires a day after Babar Azam's captaincy resignation
Published - 03 Oct 2024, 02:22 PM | Updated - 03 Oct 2024, 11:36 PM
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Pakistan leg-spinner Usman Qadir stunned the cricket world on Thursday, October 3, by shockingly announcing his retirement from “Pakistan cricket."
Son of the legendary Abdul Qadir, Usman recently played for the Dolphins in the Champions One-Day Cup before making his decision officially on his official X (formerly Twitter) account Thursday.
Usman Qadir announces retirement from International Cricket
In an emotional message on his social media, the 31-year-old shared his decision to step away from cricket while expressing his pride in representing the country at the highest level.
Qadir also extended gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and fans for their support throughout his career.
Usman Qadir said in a note posted on his X handle: “Today, I am announcing my retirement from Pakistan cricket, and as I reflect on this incredible journey, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. It has been an immense honor to represent my country, and I’m thankful for the support of my coaches and teammates who have been with me every step of the way.”
Reflecting on the memories and challenges he faced throughout his career, the leg spinner said that this chapter of his life has left an indelible mark on him.
Thank You for everything: Usman Qadir to his fans
He further noted, “From unforgettable victories to the challenges we faced together, each moment has shaped my career and enriched my life. I’m deeply appreciative of the passionate fans who have always stood by me; your unwavering support has meant the world.”
However, Usman bid farewell to his international career with the Men in Green, but he emphasized that he will carry on his father's legacy as he embarks on a new chapter of his cricketing journey.
Usman signed off by saying, “As I step into this new chapter, I will be continuing my dad’s legacy, embracing both my love for cricket and the lessons he instilled in me. I carry with me the spirit of Pakistan cricket and the cherished memories we created together. Thank you for everything.”
— Usman Qadir (@Qadircricketer) October 3, 2024
Notably, Usman is the son of Pakistan’s legendary late leg-spinner Abdul Qadir. He represented the Men in Green in 25 T20Is and scalped 31 wickets at an economy rate of 7.95. He also played a single ODI for the Men in Green and picked only one wicket against South Africa in 2021.
His last appearance for the Men in Green came against Bangladesh in a T20I match in 2023. Usman has great numbers in white-ball cricket, taking 68 wickets in 49 List-A matches and 112 wickets in 107 T20s. He also played 13 first-class matches and scalped 21 wickets.
Usman Qadir alleged Mohammad Hafeez's role in his Pakistan snub
In May 2024, Qadir made headlines by blaming the former PCB technical director Mohammad Hafeez for his exclusion from the Pakistan cricket team.
Speaking on a local YouTube channel, Usman revealed that he had received assurances from former T20 captain Shaheen Afridi regarding his selection for the New Zealand series in January, but Hafeez denied his selection.
Usman claimed that Hafeez had again and again overlooked him for selection, accusing him of ruining his career. However, the former captain was also later ousted from the position.
