Usman Qadir, the son of legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 31. This announcement came on October 3, 2024, marking the end of a journey that began with his debut in November 2020. Over his career, he played one One Day International (ODI) and 25 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), securing a total of 32 wickets.
Usman Qadir Reflects on His Career
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Usman expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to represent Pakistan. He stated, “Today, I am announcing my retirement from Pakistan cricket, and as I reflect on this incredible journey, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. It has been an immense honor to represent my country”. He thanked his coaches and teammates for their unwavering support throughout his career.
Usman’s last appearance for the national team was during the Asian Games held in Hangzhou in September 2023. He reminisced about the unforgettable victories and challenges he faced, emphasizing how each moment enriched his life and career. “I’m deeply appreciative of the passionate fans who have always stood by me; your unwavering support has meant the world,” he added.
Continuing His Father’s Legacy
As he steps into this new chapter of his life, Usman is determined to carry forward his father’s legacy. He stated, “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”. This commitment to honoring his father’s memory is significant given Abdul Qadir’s iconic status in Pakistan cricket.
Dan Worrall Emerges as a Dark Horse for England’s Ashes Squad
Before announcing his retirement, Usman participated in the Champions Cup—a domestic one-day competition—where he took four wickets across two matches. However, he faced challenges in that tournament as well. The decision to retire seems influenced by a combination of limited opportunities at the international level and a desire to explore other avenues in cricket.
Career Overview
Usman Qadir’s international career was relatively brief but notable. In T20Is, he took 31 wickets at an impressive average of 18.48 and an economy rate of 7.95. Despite showing promise as a wrist-spinner, Usman’s opportunities were limited due to strong competition within the squad from other spinners like Shadab Khan and Usama Mir.
Earlier this year, Usman expressed frustrations regarding his treatment by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), alleging that former team director Mohammad Hafeez was against his inclusion in the national setup. He also mentioned that T20I captain Shaheen Afridi had assured him of a place in an upcoming series if he performed well domestically; however, he was ultimately not selected.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram