I have come to the difficult decision to retire from international cricket – Shabnim Ismail

South Africa pacer Shabnim Ismail has announced her retirement from international cricket with immediate effect while the 34-year-old fast bowler, who was known for her lightning-quick delivery and love of the game, climbed to become one of the best of her era and was even given the nickname of “demon” in age-group cricket.

South Africa pacer Shabnim Ismail has announced her retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. The 34-year-old fast bowler, who was known for her lightning-quick delivery and love of the game, climbed to become one of the best of her era and was even given the nickname of “demon” in age-group cricket.

Ismail finishes with 1 Test, 127 ODIs, and 113 T20I. He also took 317 wickets in a career that spanned nearly 16 years. She competed in four 50-over World Cups and all eight T20 World Cups, and when she hung up her boots, she was the second-highest tally of ODI wickets (191) behind India’s Jhulan Goswami.

“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.

“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 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 being 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.”

Ismail said she intends to play in the domestic T20 leagues around the world.

“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,”

she said.

“I 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:

“This is a poignant but celebratory moment for South African cricket and the global game as a whole, as we celebrate and honor an incredible cricketer in Shabnim Ismail.

“Shabnim has transcended women’s cricket as a fierce competitor with the ability to make 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.”