Jharkhand spinner Shahbaz Nadeem who played two tests for India announced his retirement from international cricket. He does not see any opportunities in the national team and has to try his luck in the franchise-based leagues.
The 34-year-old said it is better to pave the way for younger talent. “I realise I can`t feature for Team India anymore, as I`m not in the selectors` plans, and there is a pool of talented youngsters waiting for their chance.”
“I would have continued playing if there were opportunities for me in Team India… However, I don`t foresee any chances in near future. “Hence, I decided to retire from Indian cricket and try my luck in different leagues,” added the bowler, who will be seen in action in the upcoming Legends League Cricket in Sri Lanka.
Nadeem who held the record of best bowling figures in an innings in List A cricket in his two-decade-long career for Jharkhand said that, “I felt this is the correct time and there is no point holding a place in a state team for individual records.
He flew to Ranchi and the next morning he was handed the “No 296” India Test cap by Kohli. “I still cherish the moment and remember everything vividly. It was the best day of my life to debut in front of my home fans,” he turned emotional while remembering the momentous day of October 19.
Nadeem returned with a match haul of 4/40 which included the wicket of Temba Bavuma in the first innings. India won the third Test by an innings and 202 runs. The Jharkhand spinner had to wait for two years for his next Test which happened to be his last — against England in Chennai in 2021. “I`ve no regrets but as any other fellow cricketer I would have liked to play a few more Tests, then it would have been great for me,” said Nadeem who has eight wickets from two Tests.