Usman Khan Shinwari Retires from International Cricket

LAHORE: Pakistani left-arm fast bowler Usman Khan Shinwari formally announced his departure from international cricket on Tuesday. This decision concludes a career where he proudly represented Pakistan in one Test match, seventeen One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and sixteen Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) spanning from 2013 to 2019.

The 31-year-old initially stepped onto the international stage in December 2013 during a T20I encounter against Sri Lanka in Dubai. During that match, he delivered a single over, conceding nine runs without securing a wicket.

Following his participation in four T20Is, Shinwari debuted in ODIs against Sri Lanka in Sharjah in October 2017. His sole Test appearance occurred in December 2019 in Rawalpindi, also against Sri Lanka, which ultimately became his final international game for Pakistan.

Shinwari was designated as Pakistan’s T20I cap No. 58, ODI cap No. 216, and Test cap No. 240, with his initial appearances in all three formats being against Sri Lanka. He also joined Pakistan’s squad for the 2018 Asia Cup.

Throughout his career, Shinwari’s progression faced obstacles due to persistent back injuries, limiting his opportunities with the national team. Despite these challenges, he distinguished himself in the ODI format, securing 34 wickets across 17 matches.

He is most recognized for achieving two five-wicket hauls against Sri Lanka. The first occurred in just his second ODI in Sharjah in October 2017, where he recorded impressive figures of 5/34, claiming five wickets within merely 21 deliveries.

His subsequent five-wicket haul took place in September 2019 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, where he achieved 5/51 in his second-to-last ODI. In T20Is, Shinwari captured 13 wickets, while he secured one wicket in his singular Test appearance.

Shinwari initially gained recognition in 2013 when, at age 19, he delivered a notable performance in the final of the Departmental T20 Cup.

Representing Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited, he devastated Misbah-ul-Haq’s Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited team with remarkable figures of 5/9 in just 3.1 overs. This exceptional performance expedited his inclusion in the national T20I squad, although he couldn’t maintain that level of dominance on the international stage.

Over the years, Shinwari actively participated in domestic cricket and was a part of multiple franchise teams, including Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators, Sylhet Sixers, Melbourne Renegades, Jaffna Stallions, Jaffna Kings, Team Abu Dhabi, and Glasgow Giants.

His most recent showing was in the National T20 Cup, representing Quetta Region, but he did not secure any wickets in four matches. His concluding List A match was during the Pakistan Cup in November 2023.

Shinwari had communicated his retirement from Test cricket back in 2021 and subsequently lost his central contract during the same year.