(AFP Photo)
Usama Mir, the Pakistani leg-spinner, expressed disappointment upon learning that he was excluded from the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Seeking clarification, Mir reached out directly to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. However, reports suggest that Wahab Riaz was discontented with Mir’s decision to message Naqvi.
Despite plans to participate in the T20 Blast in England, Mir’s hopes were dashed when he failed to secure a spot in the 15-member squad for the World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean Islands. Following an online meeting where the PCB agreed to grant him a No Objection Certificate (NOC), Mir anticipated his participation. However, he faced disappointment as the NOC was not issued by the PCB, contrary to their prior discussions.
Wahab Riaz has expressed his dissatisfaction regarding Usama Mir’s situation.
As per a report from local media, Usama Mir asserted his position as the leading wicket-taker in the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), alongside Mohsin Naqvi. The spin bowler engaged in discussions regarding his case and performance during an online meeting with Wahab Riaz and other selectors held in Ireland.
Initially granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in England’s T20 Blast, the 28-year-old cricketer was subsequently denied permission. This decision came despite Usama Mir having signed a three-year central contract with the PCB, permitting him to join two franchise T20 leagues alongside the PSL, as per the contract terms.
Usama Mir featured in five matches during the Big Bash League (BBL) season and represented Manchester Originals in ‘The Hundred’ tournament last August. However, his participation in the BBL was cut short by the PCB midway through the season, due to a recall for the national side’s T20I series against New Zealand.
Following the stipulations of his contract, Usama was restricted from participating in additional T20 leagues from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Despite being left out of the World Cup squad, the right-arm spinner planned to play for Worcestershire Rapids in the T20 Blast. However, Worcestershire Rapids rescinded the agreement following the denial of his NOC, subsequently signing Hayden Walsh instead.
Usama Mir represented Pakistan in the ODI World Cup 2023.
In the Pakistan Super League 2024 season, Usama Mir showcased his skills while representing the Multan Sultans (MS). The leg-spinner made an impressive mark, claiming 24 wickets in 12 matches with an average of 15.87 and an economy rate of 8.13. Notably, Mir achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first spinner in PSL history to record a six-wicket haul against the Lahore Qalandars during this season’s tournament.
Hailing from Sialkot, Usama Mir also contributed to Pakistan’s campaign in the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India. Throughout the tournament, he secured four wickets in as many matches, maintaining an economy rate of 7.08. Despite his efforts, the Men in Green fell short of reaching the semifinals, concluding their journey in fifth place on the 10-team points table.
His most recent appearance for Pakistan was in the fifth T20I match against New Zealand, where he displayed his bowling prowess by taking two wickets for 21 runs in his allotted four overs. Across his T20I career, Usama Mir has claimed five wickets in five matches, boasting an average of 35.0 and an economy rate of 8.75.
