Pakistan spinner Usman Qadir, who had announced his retirement in 2024, has reversed the decision and returned to international cricket, making himself available for selection for the PCB in all formats of international cricket.
Pakistan makes humiliating exit from ICC T20 World Cup 2026; However, his exit will not only have a serious impact on team morale but could also lead to major changes in the team. Salman Ali Aga’s captaincy may be in serious danger; On the other hand, given Pakistan’s volatile nature with coaches, Mike Hesson’s role as their head coach may also come to an end.
However, this requires major changes to team dynamics, and several players may be shown the door and replaced by others. In such circumstances, Pakistan’s spinners, who had earlier retired from international matches, have come back and made themselves available.
Usman Qadir moves to Australia in 2024 after shocking retirement call
The spinner in question is 32-year-old leg spinner Usman Qadir, who has decided to retire from his career in early 2024. It is noteworthy that he is the son of great Pakistani spinner Abdul Qadir. He represented his national team in 26 international matches, including 25 T20Is.
Before Abrar Ahmed rose to prominence as one of Pakistan’s leading spinners in white-ball cricket, Usman Qadir served as their leading spinner in the shortest format of the game, making his debut in 2020.
However, after not making a regular place for himself in the XI, he announced his shock retirement at the age of 31 and moved to Australia, where he began playing domestic cricket.
Usman Qadir withdraws international retirement after Pakistan’s T20 World Cup exit
Usman Qadir’s retirement comes just after Pakistan’s exit from the World Cup and calls for revamping the entire national team. However, the son of the legendary cricketer commented that he feels that, given his father’s legacy for Pakistan cricket, he should keep himself available for the country.
Furthermore, she also revealed that her time spent in Australia has almost given her back her enthusiasm and she feels she is ready to make things count this time.
“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. Taking 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 significant contributions to make on the global stage.”
“Cricket is more than just a game to me; it is a family legacy. After discussing it with my family and considering my father’s immense contribution to Pakistan cricket, I feel a deep responsibility to continue it. The wishes of my family, coupled with my own strong desire to represent my country, have made this decision clear.”
Usman Qadir posted on Twitter, “I am fully committed and making myself available for selection in all formats from grassroots to serve Pakistan cricket to the best of my ability. My journey is not over yet. I am ready to once again carry forward the spirit of Pakistan cricket.”
Dil Dil Pakistan pic.twitter.com/SGNpg5kuja
– Usman Qadir (@Qadircricketer) 28 February 2026
Usman Qadir’s career statistics for Pakistan
After making his T20 International debut against Zimbabwe in 2020, the Pakistani leg spinner has played 26 international matches, of which 25 were T20I games. He has taken 31 international wickets at a strike rate of 13.9 and has taken one wicket in his only ODI match.
His last appearance for Pakistan came during the 2023 clash against Bangladesh Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Also read: Babar Azam ordered to announce T20I retirement