Tabraiz Shamsi opts out of CSA central contract; will continue to be available for South Africa

In a huge development for South African cricket, left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has opted out of Cricket South Africa's national contract. However, Shamsi has stated that he will continue to be available for South Africa and his domestic side Titans in the future.

Shamsi's decision to opt out of the national contract is a big moment in South African cricket as he is their key bowler in white-ball formats. Shamsi has unique skills as a left-arm wristspinner which makes him different from others.

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Tabraiz Shamsi opts out of CSA central contract

Tabraiz Shamsi has played 2 Tests, 51 ODIs, and 70 T20Is in his career so far. While he is not even close to being a part of the Test team shortly, he has a key role to play in South Africa's white-ball teams.

In 51 ODIs, he has picked up 72 wickets at an average of 31.72. In 72 T2oIs, he has taken 89 wickets at an average of 20.89. His variations are his strengths and can run through the batting line-ups.

It is believed that Tabraiz Shamsi's decision to opt out of the central contract will allow him to participate in various leagues around the world with more flexibility. As a result, he might be seen in various T20 leagues around the world now. However, he is likely to be available for South Africa, especially for big ICC tournaments.

Why did Tabraiz Shamsi opt out of the central contract?

Shamsi stated his decision and claimed that he wanted to explore more opportunities at this stage of his life. But at the same time, he is still motivated to win a World Cup for South Africa in the future.

“I have decided to opt out of my central contract in order to be more flexible during the domestic season, allowing me to explore all opportunities available and look after my family in the best way possible,” Shamsi stated.

“This will not impact my ability or motivation to play for the Proteas in any way and I will always be available to play for my country whenever I am needed. It has always been my dream to bring the World Cup home to South Africa, and no franchise league will ever be more important than playing for my country," he added.

Not only for South Africa, but Tabraiz Shamsi will also continue to play for his domestic side Titans as well whenever he is available, He thanked the South African coaches for their support during this time.

“The Titans are also fully supportive of my decision, and I will be a part of the Titans squad whenever I am available," the left-arm wrist-spinner said.

“I would like to thank Enoch Nkwe, Rob Walter, and Dr Jacques Faul for their advice, support, and open communication through this process,” he added.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Proteas Men's spinner Tabraiz Shamsi have today jointly announced that the 34-year-old has decided to opt out of his national contract, effective immediately.

The move will allow Shamsi, who has played 51 One-Day Internationals and 70 T20… pic.twitter.com/Bm7VAUbOKQ

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 3, 2024

Tabraiz Shamsi receives support from CSA

Meanwhile, Shamsi received support from CSA Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe, who in turn appreciated his dedication to play for the nation and his honesty on the matter.

“Shamo (Tabraiz Shamsi) is a key member of our white-ball squads, and while we respect his decision, we are pleased that he remains committed to representing South Africa," Nkwe stated.

“We sincerely appreciate his honesty and openness on the matter, which is integral and what we want from our players,” he added.

The trend of players opting out of national contracts is not new as many New Zealand players have also done so to explore more opportunities in franchise cricket. Jimmy Neesham, Kane Williamson, and Trent Boult are some of the prominent names who opted out of the national contract.

Despite being out of a national contract, Boult played in the ODI World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024 for New Zealand.