![Pakistan player took a massive call on his retirement [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1772341675683_pakistanretirementt20nworldcup.jpg?type=hq)
Pakistan player took a massive call on his retirement [Source: AFP]
In a significant development, Pakistan spinner Usman Qadir made a massive decision on his international retirement hours after the Men in Green crashed out of the T20 World Cup 2026. It's worth mentioning that Usman is the son of legendary Pakistani spinner Abdul Qadir and has represented the Green shirts across 26 international matches.
Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan failed to reach the semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2026 despite defeating Sri Lanka in their final Super 8 clash.
The Men in Green had to win by a significant margin of 65 runs, whereas they could register a five-run consolation victory to conclude their campaign. Soon after they were eliminated from the competition, Qadir reversed his retirement, confirming his availability for the national side.
When Usman Qadir announced shocking retirement
Hours after Pakistan's disappointing Super 8 elimination from the T20 World Cup, experienced spinner Usman Qadir took a U-turn on his international retirement decision.
Before Abrar Ahmed's rise as a potent spin option, Qadir used to be a regular in the Pakistani white-ball setup. He was primarily active in T20Is, scalping 31 wickets in 25 matches.
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However, his appearances were mostly sporadic before he bid adieu to international cricket in October 2024, aged 31. The wrist spinner shifted his base to Australia, where he played competitive cricket at the domestic level.
Usman Qadir comes out of retirement soon after Pakistan's T20 World Cup exit
As the Pakistani team signed off from the World Cup, Qadir took to his official handle on social media platform X, confirming that he's ready to play for the national side.
The 32-year-old reckoned that his cricketing stint in Australia helped him rediscover his mojo and made him realise he still has the fire in his belly.
Usman Qadir further disclosed that he has taken the call after consulting with his family members, thanking them for their consistent support.
"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. 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."
"Cricket is more than just a sport for me; it is a family legacy. 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."
"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. My journey isn't finished. I am ready to carry forward the spirit of Pakistan cricket once again," Usman Qadir posted on X.
Usman Qadir's career and stats
Right-arm leg-break bowler Usman Qadir has played 26 international matches, including 25 T20Is and an ODI, for Pakistan between 2020 and 2023. He has bagged 31 T20I wickets at a strike rate of 13.9 besides having a solitary scalp to his name in the 50-over format.
He made his debut in a T20I against Zimbabwe, while his final appearance for Pakistan came against Bangladesh during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
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