Pakistan pacer announces international retirement

Pakistan speedster Usman Shinwari decided to bring the curtains down on his international career on Tuesday, September 9. He played one Test, 17 ODIs, and 16 T20Is, bagging one, 34, and 13 wickets, respectively.

The left-arm fast bowler made his international debut in December 2013 against Sri Lanka in Dubai, even before he turned 20 years old. His last appearance for the Men in Green was in December 2019 in a Test match against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. Shinwari was ruled out of the subsequent Test due to typhoid and was never picked up in Tests again.

Usman achieved his best bowling figures in his second ODI appearance, bagging a five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in Sharjah. The Khyber Agency-born recorded his second five-wicket haul, once again against Sri Lanka, in 2019 during his penultimate ODI. Shinwari was a part of Pakistan's squad for the 2018 Asia Cup, picking up three wickets in as many games.

In less than four months, Shinwari will be turning 32. As far as ICC rankings are concerned, he climbed to No. 40 in ODIs and No. 56 in T20Is. Apart from representing his national team, Shinwari has played for teams like Karachi Kings, Sylhet Sixers, Melbourne Renegades, Glasgow Giants, Lahore Qalandars, Jaffna Stallions, Team Abu Dhaba, Quetta Gladiators, Jaffna Kings, among others.

Shinwari's ability to swing the ball, especially inside the powerplay made him quite a handful. He could move the ball in both directions, causing significant trouble for the opposition batters when in rhythm. However, the emergence and rise of Shaheen Shah Afridi made it difficult for Shinwari to hold onto his spot in the national team. Also, recurring injuries dented his progress. A back injury flared up often during his career, breaking his momentum time and again.

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For the unversed, Shinwari had announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2021. He also lost his central contract that year. His final List A match came in the Pakistan Cup in November 2023.