Karachi, October 3, 2024 – In a heartfelt announcement, Pakistan’s renowned leg-spinner Usman Qadir has declared his retirement from the national cricket team. The 31-year-old, who has been a key figure in Pakistan’s bowling attack in limited-overs formats, made the decision to step away from international cricket after a distinguished career that spanned nearly a decade.
Qadir, the son of legendary Pakistani leg-spinner Abdul Qadir, made his debut for the national team in 2018. Known for his deceptive googlies and brilliant variations, Usman quickly earned recognition for his skill and composure on the field. He represented Pakistan in 25 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 24 T20Is, leaving an indelible mark on the team’s spin department.
In a statement shared with the media, Usman expressed gratitude for the opportunities and experiences cricket has provided him over the years:
“It has been an incredible honor to represent my country at the highest level. Playing for Pakistan has been a dream come true, and I will forever cherish the moments I shared with my teammates and the fans. However, after much reflection, I feel it’s the right time for me to step aside and allow the next generation of spinners to take forward the legacy of Pakistani cricket.”
Usman’s announcement comes after a challenging few years with the national side, marked by changes in leadership and team dynamics. Though his performances remained strong, with notable contributions in T20 World Cups and series wins, Qadir expressed that his decision was driven by personal reasons and a desire to focus on coaching and mentoring younger talent.
Throughout his career, Usman was often compared to his father, Abdul Qadir, one of the finest leg-spinners in the history of the game. Usman’s ability to spin the ball both ways and his knack for taking crucial wickets made him one of the most promising spinners of his generation. His memorable spell against England in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he claimed key wickets in a pivotal match, is often highlighted as one of his finest moments in Pakistan colors.
His retirement marks the end of an era for Pakistan’s spin department, with many seeing him as the torchbearer of a family legacy that includes his father and his uncle, who also played for Pakistan.
Cricketing experts have hailed Qadir’s contribution to the sport, with former captain and fellow leg-spinner Shahid Afridi expressing admiration for Usman’s maturity and skill.
“Usman has been an excellent asset to the team, and his performances will be remembered for years to come. His journey has inspired many young cricketers, and I have no doubt he will continue to contribute to the game in a different capacity,” Afridi commented.
Following his retirement from international cricket, Usman Qadir plans to focus on coaching roles and the development of young cricketers, aiming to nurture the next generation of spinners in Pakistan.
As Pakistan cricket bids farewell to one of its key players, Usman Qadir’s legacy will live on, not only in the wickets he took but also in the inspiration he provided to aspiring cricketers across the country.
