Proteas star Shabnim Ismail retires. Photo: Supplied.
One of Proteas cricket’s all-time great bowlers calls it a day
Legendary Proteas Women’s fast bowler Shabnim Ismail has announced her retirement from the game with immediate effect.
Proteas star Shabnim Ismail retires. Photo: Supplied.
Legendary Proteas Women’s fast bowler Shabnim Ismail has announced her retirement from the game with immediate effect.
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Ismail announced her retirement from all forms of the game on Wednesday, citing a need to focus on her family from now on.
The 34-year-old Ismail played for the Proteas Women’s side in 241 international ODI, T20I and Test matches combined. Her final international game for the Proteas was in Women’s T20 World Cup final against the eventual champions, Australia, at Newlands in February.
Shabnim confirmed that while she’s retiring from international cricket, she’ll planning on playing T20 domestic cricket around the world.
Commenting on Shabnim’s retirement, Cricket South Africa’s director of cricket, Enoch Nkwe, said her departure will be a great loss for Proteas cricket and the women’s game in general.
“This is a poignant but celebratory moment for South African cricket and the global game as a whole, as we celebrate and honour an incredible cricketer in Shabnim Ismail,” 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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READ SHABNIM’S RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT BELOW:
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.
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.
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.
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.
I want to thank Cricket South Africa, my teammates, coaches, and medical support staff for all their input and support over the years. What a journey it has been, and one that would not have been as meaningful if you had not been a part of it.
To my fans – thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement. Your messages and cheers have lifted me up and kept me going when times were tough. I truly appreciate every one of you.
As I step into this new stage of life, I am excited to explore new opportunities and spend more time with those I love. However, cricket will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to be a proud ambassador for the sport in South Africa.
I look forward to continuing to perform at the highest level over the next few years across various T20 competitions across the globe.
Thank you for everything.
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PROTEAS BOWLER SHABNIM ISMAIL’S RETIREMENT STATEMENT
