- Joined
- Feb 14, 2018
- Runs
- 7,195
In this exclusive interview, Tabraiz Shamsi opens up on South Africa's T20 World Cup chances, the art of spin bowling in batting-friendly conditions, and the emotional realities of life as a freelance cricketer. The world’s most travelled T20 spinner reflects on the Proteas' "power-packed" squad, Anrich Nortje’s emotional comeback, and why Afghanistan are "definitely not a walk in the park" — plus, his love affair with Pakistani crowds, the PSL auction, and the mindset shift required to thrive on flat wickets.
Key revelations include:
* T20 World Cup prediction: “Whichever bowling unit does the best will probably win the Cup” — While batters often grab the headlines with massive strike rates, Shamsi emphasizes that the trophy usually goes to the team that can defend totals and take wickets in the middle overs. In high-pressure knockout games, a disciplined and aggressive bowling attack is the ultimate safety net.
* Fatherhood & freelancing: “It hurts a little bit when my son sees me leave” — The shift to a "freelance" T20 career offers financial security, but Shamsi highlights the heavy emotional toll of the global circuit. He reflects on the difficulty of balancing professional obligations with the guilt of missing developmental milestones at home.
* Advice for spinners: “Three for 40 might be a match-winning spell on a flat wicket” — Redefining success in India. Shamsi urges young spinners to look beyond economy rates. On the batter-friendly, high-scoring pitches often found in India, he argues that a spinner who takes crucial wickets—even if they concede a few runs—is far more valuable than one who bowls "safe" but wicketless overs.
* Quinton de Kock’s resurgence: “Time away from the game brings the hunger back” — Addressing de Kock’s fluctuating involvement, Shamsi points out that mental fatigue is real in modern cricket. He believes that stepping away allows a player to reset, ensuring that when they do return, they play with the genuine passion required for elite performance.
* South Africa’s mental block: “It’s never been a question of whether the guys are enough to win a World Cup” — WTC win as a potential catalyst. He suggests that winning a major title, like the World Test Championship, could provide the psychological breakthrough needed to finally shed the "chokers" tag in limited-overs formats.
* PSL insight: “The team that builds the best local core usually wins the tournament” — Overseas players cancel each other out. Drawing from his experience in the Pakistan Super League, Shamsi notes that while international stars bring glamour, the domestic depth determines the champion. Since most teams have similar quality in their four overseas slots, the local Pakistani talent becomes the true X-factor.
* Big Bash love: “30,000 people in the stadium… I love putting smiles on kids’ faces” — Shamsi thrives on the atmosphere of the BBL. For him, the Big Bash isn't just about the cricket; it’s about the spectacle and the opportunity to engage with a massive, energetic crowd, which fuels his own celebratory on-field persona.
Watch full interview with Saj here:
Key revelations include:
* T20 World Cup prediction: “Whichever bowling unit does the best will probably win the Cup” — While batters often grab the headlines with massive strike rates, Shamsi emphasizes that the trophy usually goes to the team that can defend totals and take wickets in the middle overs. In high-pressure knockout games, a disciplined and aggressive bowling attack is the ultimate safety net.
* Fatherhood & freelancing: “It hurts a little bit when my son sees me leave” — The shift to a "freelance" T20 career offers financial security, but Shamsi highlights the heavy emotional toll of the global circuit. He reflects on the difficulty of balancing professional obligations with the guilt of missing developmental milestones at home.
* Advice for spinners: “Three for 40 might be a match-winning spell on a flat wicket” — Redefining success in India. Shamsi urges young spinners to look beyond economy rates. On the batter-friendly, high-scoring pitches often found in India, he argues that a spinner who takes crucial wickets—even if they concede a few runs—is far more valuable than one who bowls "safe" but wicketless overs.
* Quinton de Kock’s resurgence: “Time away from the game brings the hunger back” — Addressing de Kock’s fluctuating involvement, Shamsi points out that mental fatigue is real in modern cricket. He believes that stepping away allows a player to reset, ensuring that when they do return, they play with the genuine passion required for elite performance.
* South Africa’s mental block: “It’s never been a question of whether the guys are enough to win a World Cup” — WTC win as a potential catalyst. He suggests that winning a major title, like the World Test Championship, could provide the psychological breakthrough needed to finally shed the "chokers" tag in limited-overs formats.
* PSL insight: “The team that builds the best local core usually wins the tournament” — Overseas players cancel each other out. Drawing from his experience in the Pakistan Super League, Shamsi notes that while international stars bring glamour, the domestic depth determines the champion. Since most teams have similar quality in their four overseas slots, the local Pakistani talent becomes the true X-factor.
* Big Bash love: “30,000 people in the stadium… I love putting smiles on kids’ faces” — Shamsi thrives on the atmosphere of the BBL. For him, the Big Bash isn't just about the cricket; it’s about the spectacle and the opportunity to engage with a massive, energetic crowd, which fuels his own celebratory on-field persona.
Watch full interview with Saj here:
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