India and Jharkhand left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in India. The move is with an intent to participate in T20 leagues around the world, including the legends competitions. Shahbaz Nadeem, 34, picked up 542 wickets in first-class cricket, including eight in two Test matches for India.
Shahbaz Nadeem made his Test debut in Ranchi against South Africa in 2019 and had to wait close to two years for another one, which turned out to be his last. He played for Delhi Daredevils from 2011 to 2018 and Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2019-2021 in the IPL, picking up 48 wickets in the competition. Ahead of IPL 2022, he was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants but did not play a game.
Shahbaz Nadeem’s domestic career for Jharkhand
Shahbaz Nadeem started playing for Jharkhand at 15 and it wasn’t until 30 that he got an India call-up. He was the leading wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy in 2015-16 (51) and 2016-17 (55). He finished the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018-19 with 24 wickets, the most, and that included a List-A record spell of 8 for 10 against Rajasthan.
Shahbaz Nadeem was the Player of the Match in Jharkhand’s win in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2010-11 final and that remains on of his most memorable games.
“Apart from winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the most memorable game for me would be the one against Rajasthan. But nothing can be more special that playing for India. As I look back at my career, I feel I should have achieved much more in my career but I am satisfied,”
Shahbaz Nadeem specially thanked his childhood coach, Imtiaz Hussain, and said,
“He is the person who taught me how to bowl. Even today I take advice from him about my bowling. I will also never forget how much S Rahman of Indigo Club helped me. Because of these people and my family, I have continued my journey on the cricket field for so many years.”
Nadeem is the third Jharkhand player after Saurabh Tiwary and Varun Aaron (only red-ball cricket) to announce his retirement in this Ranji Trophy season, where he picked up 23 wickets, the most for Jharkhand.
My journey from 2002-2024 has been the most wonderful period of my life – Shahbaz Nadeem
Shahbaz Nadeem shared a special post on social media to announce the news with a message of gratitude to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jharkhand State cricket association(JSCA) and his former Indian Premier Leagues (IPL) franchises Shahbaz Nadeem however confirmed hat he will continue to play the game overseas following the footsteps of Unmukt Chand, Ambati Rayudu and Nikhil Chaudhary amongst the others.
Jharkhand’s premier spinner and India international, Shahbaz Nadeem has announced his retirement from all international and first-class cricket. The slow-left-arm orthodox, who went on to represent India in two Tests, finishes his career with an impressive tally of 542 FC wickets in 140 games. Nadeem also played 134 List A games for the side taking 175 wickets in the format with his career-best coming against Rajasthan to set the new record for the best figures in the format with 8/10.
The spinner went on to play two Test matches for India making his debut in whites against South Africa in Ranchi in 2019 and registered figures of 4/40.His last game for India came against England in 2021 at Chennai where he managed to put in a shift, bowling 59 overs in the Test and picked up four wickets again.
“Today, with immense gratitude and humility, I announce my retirement from Indian Cricket. My journey from 2002-2024 has been the most wonderful period of my life. From my humble beginnings for Bihar Under-19 to every kid’s dream playing for the Indian test team,”
He continued:
“I am grateful for the opportunities given to me by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Jharkhand Cricket Association, Dhanbad Cricket Association, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants,”
Shahbaz Nadeem on exploring new opportunities in cricket.
Shahbaz Nadeem hinted that he may participate in the overseas T20 Leagues or county cricket following his retirement from Indian cricket.
“I am excited to announce that I will be exploring new opportunities in the world of cricket & the business side of it, where I will also continue to participate in the sport that I love and challenge myself in a new and different environment.
Shahbaz Nadeem’s last appearance came for his Ranji side Jharkhand vs Rajasthan in the recently concluded Ranji Trophy Plate Division match where his side emerged victorious by 89 runs.