JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Proteas Men’s spinner Tabraiz Shamsi have today jointly announced that the 34-year-old has decided to opt out of his national contract, effective immediately.
The move will allow Shamsi, who has played 51 One-Day Internationals and 70 T20 Internationals, greater flexibility to participate in various leagues around the world while maintaining his availability to represent South Africa across both white-ball formats.
CSA respects his decision and remains confident in his continued dedication to South African cricket.
Furthermore, the national body looks forward to his future contributions to the Proteas and Momentum Multiply Titans.
“I have decided to opt out of my central contract in order to be more flexible during the domestic season, allowing me to explore all opportunities available and look after my family in the best way possible,” commented Shamsi.
“This will not impact my ability or motivation to play for the Proteas in any way and I will always be available to play for my country whenever I am needed. It has always been my dream to bring the World Cup home to South Africa, and no franchise league will ever be more important than playing for my country.
“The Titans are also fully supportive of my decision, and I will be a part of the Titans squad whenever I am available.
“I would like to thank Enoch Nkwe, Rob Walter and Dr Jacques Faul for their advice, support and open communication through this process.”
CSA Director of Cricket, Nkwe added: “Shamo is a key member of our white-ball squads, and while we respect his decision, we are pleased that he remains committed to representing South Africa.
“We sincerely appreciate his honesty and openness on the matter, which is integral and what we want from our players.”
Source: cricket.co.za
Mark Boucher: Mark Boucher is regarded as one of the best keepers of the ball behind the stumps. Boucher is the most successful wicketkeeper in the world, he has a record of 998 dismissals in 467 matches. He also holds the record for most dismissals (555) in Test Cricket.
When it comes to batting, Boucher enjoys his name in the elite list of batsmen scoring 10,000 international runs for the proteas. Boucher has scored 10,289 runs precisely and is 9th on the list of highest run scorers for the proteas.

Sw00sh
Chris Gayle is the only batsman to hit a six off the first ball of a Test match – In the 137 years of Test cricket no cricketer has ever hit a six off the first ball of a Test match. Audacious Chris Gayle achieved this feat against Bangladesh in 2012 off debutant Sohag Gazi.
Stud Buster
Sport Trivia: What is the sound that traditionally starts the Comrades Marathon? Answer: The sound of a cock crowing. Prior to 1948, a regular starter\’s gun was used but then a new tradition was started when the race official at the time, Max Trimborn, loudly imitated a cock\’s crow. This tradition has been continued with a recording of Trimborn being used to start the race.