Usman Qadir, son of the legendary Pakistan spinner Abdul Qadir, announced his retirement from Pakistan cricket on Thursday, October 3. The leg-spinner, who recently represented the Dolphins in the Champions Cup, made his last international appearance at the 2023 Asian Games.
Usman Qadir, who has been in and out of Pakistan’s T20I squad since debuting in 2020, had a promising early career. Before breaking into the international scene, he had key stints with Lahore Qalandars and Western Australia. His performance with Western Australia eventually led to a contract with the Perth Scorchers in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). At the time, Qadir even expressed his desire to switch allegiance to Australia, frustrated by his lack of opportunities in Pakistan.
Usman Qadir Announces Retirement from National Cricket at 31
Barely two weeks after his appearance in Pakistan’s List-A domestic tournament, Qadir took to social media to announce his retirement from Pakistan cricket. In an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter), Qadir expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country.
“Today, I am announcing my retirement from Pakistan cricket. Looking back on this amazing journey, I want to say a big thank you. It has been a great honor to represent my country, and I’m grateful for the support of my coaches and teammates who stood by me throughout,” Qadir wrote.
Continuing his father’s legacy, he added: “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 the spirit of Pakistan cricket with me and the special memories we made together. Thank you for everything.”
In addition to his struggles with consistent selection, Qadir had also openly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for mishandling a thumb injury he sustained during a T20I series against England in 2022. The injury, which occurred at a crucial point in his career, sidelined him for an extended period, compounding his frustrations with the system.
Though his international career did not reach the heights expected, Usman Qadir remains a notable figure in Pakistan cricket, and his journey serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by talented players navigating the competitive world of international sports.
