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Usman Qadir deserts Pakistan, moves to Australia

Usman Qadir, promising leg spinner and son of legendary Abdul Qadir, has decided to move to Australia and play cricket in that country

By Unnikrishnan
Usman Qadir

Bengaluru, February 19: Usman Qadir, son of legendary Pakistan leg-spinner Abdul Qadir, has decided to move away from his native country and play cricket in Australia.

The decision came after 24-year-old Usman failed to break into the Pakistan team.

"I was offered Australian citizenship back in 2012 around the time when the Under-19 World Cup ended. At that time, I did not accept the offer on the advice of my father, as he felt that I had done well at the Under-19 level and had a bright future ahead with the Pakistan side. I went back to Pakistan and was ignored for selection from the national side," Usman was quoted as saying by PakPassion.net

"I then told the Pakistan Cricket Board that I am going back to Australia which prompted them to add my name in the Pakistan squad for the 2013 tour of West Indies. However, my name was removed without any reason due to what can only be described as a case of 'dislike' for a certain player.

"It did not stop there, I was ignored for selection when I performed for Pakistan A even after I out-performed the likes of Yasir Shah. Later on, I was inducted in the Lahore Qalandars squad for the Pakistan Super League in 2017 but once again, I was not played in even one game.

"But I am not concerned by all that as I now have a chance to play in Australia, thanks to former Australia player Justin Langer's assistance. I want to make my father proud, but I cannot do that by languishing in Pakistan and waiting for opportunities which will never arise," said Usman.

Abdul Qadir

Usman is clear about his next steps. "My goal is clear. I plan to represent Australia in the World Twenty20 in 2020 in Australia. I wish to use the same process of acquiring the 'Distinguished Talent Visa', which Fawad Ahmed also used to allow him to play for Australia," said Usman.

For Usman Qadir there is no element of guilt involved in this decision.

"I have no regrets at all about making the move to Australia as I have tried my best in Pakistan and all doors to selection have been systemically closed on my face. I will take this next part of my career as a challenge to face and overcome, in the same way I have done so far," said Usman.

Story first published: Monday, February 19, 2018, 12:58 [IST]
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