Usman Qadir comes out of retirement, eyes Pakistan return

Pakistan leg-spinner Usman Qadir has officially reversed his retirement from international cricket, announcing on Sunday that he is once again available for national selection in all formats.

The 32-year-old, son of legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir, had stepped away from international cricket on October 3, 2024.

However, in a fresh statement posted on his official X account on March 1, 2026, Qadir confirmed that he has withdrawn that decision with immediate effect.

Explaining the reasoning behind his U-turn, Qadir pointed to a recent stint in Australia that reignited his passion and belief.

“After a period of deep reflection and a successful stint in Australia, I have decided to officially withdraw my retirement from all formats of international cricket with immediate effect,” he wrote.

The leg-spinner revealed that his performances Down Under, where he claimed 41 wickets, played a decisive role in restoring his confidence.

“My time playing in Australia was transformative. Achieving 41 wickets and receiving such a positive response reminded me that my competitive edge is as sharp as ever. It proved to me that I still have a significant contribution to make on the global stage,” he stated.

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Beyond performance, Usman Qadir spoke emotionally about the weight of family legacy and the influence of those closest to him.

“Cricket is more than just a sport for me; it is a family legacy,” he said, referencing the towering impact of his father on Pakistan cricket.

“After discussing this with my family and considering my father’s immense contributions to Pakistan cricket, I feel a profound responsibility to continue. My family’s wishes, combined with my own burning desire to represent my country, have made this decision clear.”

Qadir acknowledged that reclaiming his place will require hard work but insisted he is ready for the challenge.

“I am fully committed to the grind and am making myself available for selection across all formats, starting from the basics, to serve Pakistan cricket to the best of my ability,” he added.

Signing off on an emotional note, he declared, “My journey isn’t finished. I am ready to carry forward the spirit of Pakistan cricket once again.”

For the unversed, Qadir has represented Pakistan in 26 international matches since his debut in 2020 during a T20I match against Zimbabwe. He has taken a total of 32 wickets during his brief international career.

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Usman Qadir joins Women’s Ashes festivities in Melbourne

Former Pakistan international cricketer Usman Qadir is all set to be part of the Women’s Ashes Test celebrations at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Qadir, who has retired from international cricket for Pakistan recently and now resides in Australia, will attend the Test to support and promote the women’s game as part of Cricket Australia’s (CA) special programs for the event.

The Women’s Ashes Test, scheduled to start on January 30, promises to be a vibrant celebration of cricket.

Cricket Australia (CA) has invited several notable personalities, including Usman Qadir, former Sri Lankan women’s captain Shashikala Siriwardene, and Melbourne Renegades player Ruwantha Kellopatha, to enhance the atmosphere and bring a global flavor to the festivities.

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In addition to these prominent figures, various community groups and fan collectives will add their energy to the event.

The stands will come alive with performances from Sri Lanka’s Papare Band, England’s Barmy Army, and a Pakistani group led by Tariq Naveed, who made waves by purchasing 850 tickets for a Brisbane T20I last year.

Day one of the Test will highlight enthusiastic fan participation, while day three is expected to draw the largest crowd, with over 1,000 fans dressed in full fan gear, led by the Ryan and Tony Podcast group.

The 31-year-old leg-spinner, son of the legendary Abdul Qadir, played one ODI and 25 T20Is for Pakistan, claiming 32 international wickets.

After shifting to Australia, Qadir has continued to showcase his talent with the Hawkesbury Club in Sydney. He had previously played in the Big Bash League (BBL) with Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder.

READ: Saqlain Mushtaq visits Pakistan Strike Force camp, reviews player development

Pakistan spinner bids farewell to cricket career

Leg-spinner Usman Qadir, son of legendary Abdul Qadir, has announced his retirement from ‘Pakistan cricket’ on Thursday.

Usman took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account and announced to bid farewell to his career with the the Pakistan cricket team.

“Today, I am announcing my retirement from Pakistan cricket, and as I reflect on this incredible journey, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude,” he posted.

Usman Qadir expressed pride in representing Pakistan and thanked his teammates and coaches for their support throughout his career.

“It has been an immense honor to represent my country, and I’m thankful for the support of my coaches and teammates who have been with me every step of the way,” he added.

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“From unforgettable victories to the challenges we faced together, each moment has shaped my career and enriched my life. I’m deeply appreciative of the passionate fans who have always stood by me; your unwavering support has meant the world.”

The 31-year-old leg-spinner further stated that he would continue to carry his dad’s legacy in his next chapter of life.

“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,” he stated.

“I carry with me the spirit of Pakistan cricket and the cherished memories we created together. Thank you for everything.”

Usman has represented Pakistan in 26 international matches since his debut in 2020 during a T20I match against Zimbabwe. He has taken a total of 32 wickets during his brief international career.

READ: Match officials for Pakistan-England Test series announced

Fakhar replaces Usman in Pakistan’s squad for ICC T20 World Cup

LAHORE: Left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman has replaced leg-spinner, Usman Qadir, in the 15-member squad of the men’s cricket team for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Friday.

Following the conclusion of the T20I Tri-series in New Zealand, the PCB has made one change to their final squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, starting from October 16 in Australia, as left-arm batter Fakhar and leg-spinner Usman are swapping places.

The substitution was made as Usman failed to recover from a hairline fracture on his right thumb, which he sustained amid the historic T20I series against England.

The leg-spinner, therefore, will not be considered for selection before October 22.

Despite Usman’s exclusion from the 15-member squad, the leg-spinner would still accompany the national team in Australia as he is a part of the travelling reserves.

Fakhar, on the other hand, will join the national contingent in Brisbane along with ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and will be available for selection in green shirts’ two warm-up matches against England (October 17) and Afghanistan (October 19).

The team management will assess the left-handed batter’s fitness during the warm-up matches.

Pakistan squadBabar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shan Masood.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir.

‘Would love to dismiss big players like Kohli, Buttler’ Usman Qadir

Karachi: Pakistan’s leg-spinner Usman Qadir has set his eyes on dismissing world-class batters, including Virat Kohli, Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler.
The 27-year-old Usman, son of legendary leg-spinner Late Abdul Qadir, opined that bowling to top-quality batters increases the confidence of a bowler.
“There are so many world-class players like Morgan, Jos Buttler, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. When you pick up the wickets of such batsmen, your confidence goes to the next level and it also gives you experience. So I would really want to bowl to these batsmen and dismiss them,” Usman Qadir told Cricket Pakistan.
On the other hand, Usman was in awe of captain Babar Azam, who has the ability to put pressure on the opposition by keeping the scoreboard ticking.
“In the 3-4 games that I have played in the PSL, I realized that it is difficult to bowl to Babar. He has the capability to hit boundaries at will and is always keen to take singles and rotate strikes. He even puts away good deliveries for boundaries,” Usman Qasir added.
It must be noted that Usman is currently in Abu Dhabi and he will be representing Multan Sultans in PSL 6 remainder.

Read: ‘Extra responsibility on me to continue legacy of my father’ Usman Qadir