Watch: Usman Qadir exposes Pakistan cricket’s dirty secrets

Published - 11 Feb 2025, 04:39 PM | Updated - 11 Feb 2025, 04:40 PM

Usman Qadir of Pakistan. Image Credit: X

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Usman Qadir, son of the legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir, has embarked on a new chapter in his cricket journey by moving to Australia. The 31-year-old leg-spinner, who previously represented Pakistan in one ODI and 25 T20Is, shifted to New South Wales to pursue fresh opportunities.

Qadir is currently playing for the Hawkesbury Club in Sydney, and he is determined to make a mark on the Australian domestic circuit to secure his and his children’s future. Recently, the spinner has dropped a bombshell on Pakistan cricket and how it functions.

Usman Qadir opens up on the politics in Pakistan Cricket

In a fresh attack, Usman Qadir blamed the politics within Pakistan cricket for leaving the country and ruining his career. The leg-spinner revealed that there is a lot of liking and disliking in the set-up, and many top players get the opportunity because of the politics despite not having great numbers.

The leg-spinner expressed his frustration over his exclusion from the Pakistan cricket team without explanation despite strong performances. Qadir said that there is a lot of favoritism in the team, where players who align with certain preferences get continuous chances. The spinner noted that had he been part of the politics, he would have been one of Pakistan’s main players.

I don’t like the politics in the game: Usman Qadir

Usman Qadir said in a video posted by the SBS Australia journalist, X: “I didn't get any chances there. If I had gotten chances, I would have been the main player of the Pakistan cricket team. And the way Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, and Usama Mir were getting the chances regularly, if I had played like that, I think I could have created a difference.

But unfortunately, in Pakistan, there is a lot of liking and disliking. If you look at the performance of 3-4 years, it is zero. I don't like these things. I don’t like the politics in the game. I stay away from negative people.”

Usman Qadir moves to Australia to secure his future

Usman said that if he had been given the chance like others, things would have been different. But the leg-spinner was dropped from the Pakistan team despite having a remarkable start to his career. He boldly said that if this was done with the players like Shadab Khan, they couldn't do anything.

Eventually, he decided to move to Sydney after being frustrated with the politics in Pakistan to prioritize his family's future and continue his cricket journey with the Hawkesbury Club. He signed off by saying, “But I am still playing. I have been based in Sydney, and I will play only for the club. I have come here because my future and my children's future are secure.”

“Usman Qadir put allegations on Pakistan Cricket selection. He said, ‘There is liking and disliking in Pakistan Cricket. I came to Australia to secure my future.’ 👇🏻

Exclusive interview with Usman Qadir for @SBS pic.twitter.com/JKRH8dmytY
— Anas Saeed (@anussaeed1) February 11, 2025