Usman Shinwari announces retirement from international cricket

WEB DESK: Cricketer Usman Shinwari has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career that flickered with brilliance but was repeatedly interrupted by injuries. A left-arm fast bowler who emerged as part of Pakistan’s proud tradition of producing quicks, Shinwari played 1 Test, 17 ODIs, and 16 T20 internationals between December 2013 and December 2019. Over that period, he claimed 34 wickets in ODIs and 13 in T20Is, with his ability to swing the new ball making him a potent threat on his day. Fittingly, he made his debut in all three formats against Sri Lanka, the team against whom he also produced some of his finest moments.

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Shinwari’s rise to prominence was swift. As a teenager in 2013, he destroyed a Misbah-ul-Haq-led SNGPL side in the departmental T20 Cup final, taking 5 for 9 in 3.1 overs, a spell that forced national selectors to take notice. Though his early T20I outings did not mirror his domestic dominance, he roared back in 2017 with a blistering performance in only his second ODI. In Sharjah, he ripped through Sri Lanka’s top order with a five-for in just 21 balls, helping bowl them out for 103 and underlining his ability to win matches single-handedly.

Yet, despite such flashes, Shinwari struggled for continuity. His natural angle from over the wicket allowed him to trouble both left- and right-handers, but recurring back injuries stalled his career. With limited international appearances and long rehabilitation periods, he never quite cemented a permanent place in Pakistan’s pace attack.

By stepping away now, Shinwari leaves behind memories of his explosive spells and the sense of unfulfilled potential. His career serves as both a testament to Pakistan’s endless fast-bowling depth and a reminder of the cruel role injuries can play in cutting promising journeys short.

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Usman Shinwari has represented Pakistan at the international level and featured for a wide range of domestic and franchise teams. In Pakistan, he turned out for Balochistan, FATA, Hyderabad, Khan Research Laboratories, Sui Southern Gas Corporation, and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited, along with provincial sides such as North West Frontier Province-Balochistan. In franchise cricket, he played in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, and Quetta Gladiators. Internationally, Shinwari showcased his skills in overseas leagues, representing Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League and featuring in Australia’s Big Bash League with Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers.