LAHORE: Spin bowler Usman Qadir has moved to Australia to pursue a better future in cricket.
The international cricketer has settled in New South Wales and currently plays for the Hawkesbury Cricket Club in Sydney.
In a heartfelt post on social media at the time, Qadir reflected on his journey with Pakistan cricket and expressed gratitude for the honor of representing his country. “It has been a huge honor to represent my country,” he wrote. “I am grateful for the support of my coaches and teammates who have been with me every step of the way.”
Qadir’s career for the Pakistan national team saw flashes of brilliance. He made an impressive debut in 2020 during a T20I series against Zimbabwe, taking eight wickets for 60 runs in three matches and earning the Player of the Series title.
For a brief period, he was Pakistan’s leading leg-spinner, even replacing Shadab Khan from the T20I side. But inconsistency and problems off the field marred his career trajectory.
Before committing to Pakistan cricket, Qadir was on his way to playing for Australia, representing Western Australia and playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) for Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder. Additionally, he had the honor of playing for the Australian Prime Minister’s XI.
However, his time in Australia was beset with challenges, including disciplinary concerns.
In 2019, weeks after the sudden demise of his father Abdul Qadir, Usman surprised many by joining the Pakistan squad for a series in Australia under then head coach, Misbah-ul-Haq.
Usman later admitted that fulfilling his late father’s dream of seeing him represent Pakistan was the driving force behind his decision to leave Australia and return to the country of his birth.
Abdul Qadir, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated leg-spinners, remained a constant influence on Usman’s cricketing ambitions.
Despite his father’s legacy, Usman struggled to establish himself in the Pakistan side. His last appearance for Pakistan came during the Asian Games in October 2023.
He also expressed frustrations with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing it of mishandling his injury earlier that year, and claimed he had evidence to back up his allegations.
With this turbulent chapter behind him, Qadir has returned to Australia with hopes of rebuilding his career. “Cricket is my livelihood, I have come to Australia with a plan for my future,” Qadir said. “I am hopeful and determined that I will get good opportunities only in cricket.”
Qadir’s move to Australia also underscores his focus on embracing his father’s legacy while forging his own path. “As I step into this new chapter, I will continue my father’s legacy and embrace both my love of cricket and the lessons he instilled in me,” he said last year.
Sources indicate that his family is expected to join him soon, as he tries to make his name in Australian cricket.
