Shabnim Ismail, the fast bowler from South Africa retired from international cricket with immediate effect. Known for her pace, Ismail became one of the legendary names in the fast-bowling circuit.
Ismail has represented South Africa 1 Test, 127 ODIs, and 113 T20I and when it comes to bowling, she has taken 317 wickets in a 16-year illustrated career. She is the second highest wicket-taker of women’s ODI cricket just behind India’s Jhulan Goswami. Ismail participated in four 50-over World Cups and all eight T20 World Cups.
“After 16 years proudly representing my country, I have come to the difficult decision to retire from international cricket and move on to the next chapter of my life,” Ismail said in a statement released by Cricket South Africa. “As any athlete knows, training and competing at your best requires much sacrifice and dedication, and I now find myself wanting to spend more time with my family, particularly my siblings and parents as they get older.”
She added, “They have always been my biggest support and I want to be able to be there for them in the way they have been there for me over the past 16 years. I really believe that reducing the amount of cricket I play will enable me to do this, and playing in global leagues is the only way I see to be able to fit in both family and cricket.”
She concluded by thanking and sharing gratitude saying, “As I look back on my international career, I am so grateful for all the opportunities and experiences I have had. I have loved being able to compete at the highest level and I am so proud of being able to be part of a wonderful group of players who have led the way for women in cricket. The memories I have will stay with me forever.”
However, she informed that she would continue to play in the T20 leagues around the world. “look forward to continuing to perform at the highest level over the next few years across various T20 competitions across the globe.”
CSA Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe said, “Shabnim has transcended women’s cricket as a fierce competitor with the ability of making any batter uncomfortable at the crease with her rapid pace that regularly surpassed 120kph throughout her career. She will be sorely missed by the team and all South African cricket fans as she continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers during her remaining domestic career in all parts of the globe.”
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