Veteran Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah has hinted that his illustrious cricket career may soon come to an end, revealing that he is contemplating retirement after discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
In an exclusive conversation with ARY News, the 39-year-old confirmed that he has opted out of the current domestic cricket season — a move that strongly signals his playing days are nearing closure.
“I am not playing domestic cricket this year. God willing, I will finalise my decision after meeting with the PCB,”
Yasir said, reflecting on the next chapter of his journey.
A Legacy Etched in Pakistan’s Test History
Yasir Shah’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. Making his Test debut in 2011, he went on to represent Pakistan in 48 Tests, claiming 244 wickets at an average of 31.38. His mastery of leg-spin, control, and consistency made him the backbone of Pakistan’s bowling attack throughout the 2010s.
He was particularly lethal in UAE conditions, where Pakistan played most of their home Tests due to security concerns. In those familiar dry pitches, Yasir flourished — capturing 116 wickets at an average of 24.56 — and became nearly unplayable for visiting teams.
His crowning achievement remains his record as the fastest bowler in history to reach 200 Test wickets, accomplishing the feat in just 33 matches, surpassing legends like Clarrie Grimmett and Waqar Younis.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s Current Team
Despite his own uncertain future, Yasir remains supportive of the national squad and proud of their recent performances.
“The Pakistan team is doing well. They have won their last two T20 matches. Our prayers are always with them,”
he said, showing the grace of a true veteran.
When asked about Mohammad Rizwan’s recent removal as ODI captain and his earlier exclusion from the T20 setup, Yasir empathized with his teammate — recalling his own experiences of being dropped despite solid performances.
“Our effort as players is always to perform for Pakistan. Rizwan is doing that as well. Whichever player the selectors choose as captain, the entire team supports him,”
he added.
On His Exclusion and Fitness Rumors
Addressing his absence from the national side, Yasir dismissed the notion that his exclusion was due to poor form, instead attributing it to assumptions about his fitness.
“Sometimes these things happen. My performances were good. Earlier, I had a knee injury, and they assumed it had returned. I told them that if fitness was the issue, they should conduct a test. But no such reason was officially given,”
Yasir clarified.
White-Ball Struggles and the Final Chapter
While his Test record remains elite, Yasir’s white-ball career was modest. He played 25 ODIs, taking 24 wickets at an average of 47.91, including one five-wicket haul, and featured in two T20 Internationals without much success.
Despite this, Yasir’s contributions to Pakistan cricket — particularly in Tests — are monumental. His skill, discipline, and humility earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.
As fans await his official announcement, one thing is certain: Yasir Shah’s name will forever remain synonymous with Pakistan’s golden era of spin bowling.
“Every player dreams of leaving the field with respect,” he once said — and Yasir Shah has done exactly that.
In other news also read about Pakistan Cricketers See Major Rise In Latest ICC T20I Rankings
