Shahbaz Nadeem announces shocking retirement from all formats of cricket

Jharkhand left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem announced his retirement from all formats of the game in Indian cricket on Tuesday, March 5. Shahbaz Nadeem decided to retire from Indian cricket as he aims to participate in the T20 leagues around the world.

Nadeem, regarded as one of the finest bowlers in Indian domestic cricket, boasts an impressive record with 542 first-class wickets, 175 in List A, and 125 in T20 cricket. He notched up 32 five-wicket hauls and seven 10-wicket hauls across formats in his illustrious career.

The 34-year-old made his first-class debut against Kerala in 2004. He then became an integral part of Jharkhand’s team in domestic cricket. He last played for Jharkhand in a Ranji Trophy fixture against Rajasthan, where he claimed 3 wickets and scored 46 runs.

In 2019, the left-arm spinner debuted for Team India in Test cricket against South Africa in Ranchi. He had to wait for two years to play his second Test against England in 2021. He played for India in two Test matches and took eight wickets at an average of 34.12.

I Have Decided To Retire From All Three Formats – Shahbaz Nadeem

Shahbaz Nadeem stated that he decided to retire from all three formats to pave the way for younger talents. He also revealed his intention to participate in T20 leagues worldwide.

“I was considering this decision for a long time and now I have decided to retire from all three formats. I always feel that if you have some motivation [to play for India], then you always keep pushing yourself to perform well. However, now I know that I may not get a chance in the Indian team and so, it is better I give a chance to the young cricketers. I am also planning to play in T20 leagues around the world,” Nadeem told ESPNcricinfo.

He played for Delhi Daredevils from 2011 to 2018 and Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2019 to 2021 in the IPL. Despite being signed by the Lucknow Super Giants for the IPL 2022, he didn’t make an appearance. He picked up 48 wickets in 72 matches during his career.

We Have Made A Strong Team – Shahbaz Nadeem

Shahbaz Nadeem reflected on his two-decade-long association with the Jharkhand team, stating that they have built a strong team despite not winning the Ranji Trophy. He expressed confidence in the emerging players‘ ability to secure tournament victories in the future.

“I always keep emotions aside while making decisions. I have been playing with the Jharkhand team for 20 years. Even though we have not been able to win the Ranji Trophy, we have made a strong team that makes the knockouts of the Ranji Trophy or other domestic tournaments every two to three years. As a result, no one takes the Jharkhand team lightly now. I feel it is time to pass this task on to the young players, and I am sure they will trophies in the future,” Nadeem said.

Nadeem excelled as the top wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy for two consecutive seasons, 2015-16 and 2016-17, with 51 and 55 wickets, respectively. He shone in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018-19, claiming 24 wickets, including a remarkable spell of 8 for 10. He was named Player of the Match in Jharkhand’s victory in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2010-11 final.

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