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Pakistan leg-spinner Usman Qadir has officially reversed his retirement from international cricket, announcing on Sunday that he is once again available for national selection in all formats.
The 32-year-old, son of legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir, had stepped away from international cricket on October 3, 2024.
However, in a fresh statement posted on his official X account on March 1, 2026, Qadir confirmed that he has withdrawn that decision with immediate effect.
Explaining the reasoning behind his U-turn, Qadir pointed to a recent stint in Australia that reignited his passion and belief.
“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,” he wrote.
The leg-spinner revealed that his performances Down Under, where he claimed 41 wickets, played a decisive role in restoring his confidence.
“My time playing in Australia was transformative. Achieving 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 a significant contribution to make on the global stage,” he stated.
Beyond performance, Usman Qadir spoke emotionally about the weight of family legacy and the influence of those closest to him.
“Cricket is more than just a sport for me; it is a family legacy,” he said, referencing the towering impact of his father on Pakistan cricket.
“After discussing this with my family and considering my father’s immense contributions to Pakistan cricket, I feel a profound responsibility to continue. My family’s wishes, combined with my own burning desire to represent my country, have made this decision clear.”
Qadir acknowledged that reclaiming his place will require hard work but insisted he is ready for the challenge.
“I am fully committed to the grind and am making myself available for selection across all formats, starting from the basics, to serve Pakistan cricket to the best of my ability,” he added.
Signing off on an emotional note, he declared, “My journey isn’t finished. I am ready to carry forward the spirit of Pakistan cricket once again.”
For the unversed, Qadir has represented Pakistan in 26 international matches since his debut in 2020 during a T20I match against Zimbabwe. He has taken a total of 32 wickets during his brief international career.
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