Usman Qadir, son of late cricket legend Abdul Qadir, announced his retirement from Pakistan cricket at 31 on Thursday (Oct 3). Taking to social media to announce his decision publically, Qadir expressed his heartfelt gratitude while taking immense pleasure in representing Pakistan as he steps aside from the game. 

Leg spinner Qadir, who represented Pakistan in 26 matches, including 25 T20Is and one ODI, confirmed his cricketing days are behind him.

“Today, I am announcing my retirement from Pakistan cricket,” Qadir said. “As I reflect on this unforgettable journey, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. It has been an immense honour 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.”

Qadir made his international debut against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi in 2020, with his last match coming against Bangladesh at Hangzhou in China during the 2023 Asian Games. The right-arm leggie picked 32 wickets across both formats, with his best of 4/13 coming against Zimbabwe in his debut series. Qadir made headlines for his star show then, bagging eight wickets in three matches.

At the top of his game, Pakistan fans tipped Usman to carry forward his father’s legacy, only for Shadab Khan to hijack his place in the white-ball side soon after. 

Although he began his first-class career 11 years ago in 2013, Usman expressed his desire to represent Australia in international cricket in 2018. He made his Western Australia debut the same year, playing for Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder in the BBL later.

Soon after, his performances dipped, with disciplinary concerns worsening his chances of making his Australia debut. In 2019, Qadir was charged with breaking speed limit rules and summoned to court.

Usman’s father and cricket great, Abdul Qadir, passed away due to a sudden cardiac arrest in 2019, sparking a significant push in Usman’s commitment to Pakistan, the country of his birth. 

Soon after, even before he publically declared his interest in returning to Pakistan and playing for them, Misbah-ul-Haq named him in the squad for the Australia series. 

Dodgy performances led to his exit from the team, though he lately played for Markhors in the recently concluded Champions One Day Cup. 

Meanwhile, last year in May, his relationship with the PCB turned ugly after he accused the Pakistan Cricket Board of mismanaging his injury, stating he had screenshots and other evidence to prove it. 

As he parted ways with the game he always loved, Usman further wrote, “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 with me the spirit of Pakistan cricket and the cherished memories we created together.”

(With inputs from agencies)