Jharkhand’s veteran spinner, Shahbaz Nadeem has decided to call it quits from all forms of cricket in India. Nadeem has been a veteran for the Jharkhand cricket team in the domestic circuit and also played two Tests for India. However, getting another chance to play for India seems unlikely and, thus, the 34-year-old decided to let the young cricketer take over.
“I was considering this decision for a long time and now I have decided to retire from all three formats,” Nadeem told ESPNcricinfo.
“I always feel that if you have some motivation [to play for India], then you always keep pushing yourself to perform well. However, now I know that I may not get a chance in the Indian team and so, it is better I give a chance to the young cricketers. I am also planning to play in T20 leagues around the world.”
Shahbaz Nadeem To Play In Global T20 Leagues
Following his retirement, the left-arm seamer could be seen playing his trade for different teams in the franchise T20 leagues around the world. In his illustrious career, he has played 542 wickets in first-class cricket.
The left-arm spinner has represented India in two Test matches. He made his Test debut in Ranchi during the Test series against South Africa in 2019. He didn’t play a single Test for close to two years before getting another opportunity against England in 2021.
Speaking of his IPL career, Shahbaz Nadeem represented Delhi Daredevils, now Delhi Capitals, from 2011 to 2018 before moving to SRH in 2019. After playing for Sunrisers in 2019 and 2021, he was picked by Lucknow Super Giants in the 2022 edition but didn’t get a game to play. The Jharkhand spinner played his last IPL match against RCB at MA Chidambaram Stadium on 14th April 2021.
Overall, in his IPL career, Nadeem picked up 48 wickets in 72 matches at an average of 37.17.
“I always keep emotions aside while making decisions,” Nadeem said.
“I have been playing with the Jharkhand team for 20 years. Even though we have not been able to win the Ranji Trophy, we have made a strong team that makes the knockouts of the Ranji Trophy or other domestic tournaments every three years. As a result, no one takes the Jharkhand team lightly now. I feel it is time to pass this task on to the young players, and I am sure they will be trophies in the future.”
Nadeem made his debut for the Jharkhand cricket team at the age of 15. His most memorable moment in domestic cricket came when the 34-year-old bagged the Player of the Match award during Jharkhand’s win in Vijay Hazare 2010-11 final.
Additionally, Shahbaz Nadeem was also the highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons.
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