Why did Shamsi Withdraws from SA20?
Shamsi Pulls Out Due to Personal Reasons
South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has opted out of the upcoming SA20 season citing personal reasons. The MI Cape Town wrist-spinner, who was set to make his maiden appearance for the franchise in the 2025 season, will now be replaced by allrounder Thomas Kaber, another left-arm wrist-spinner. So let’s know why did Shamsi Withdraws from SA20.
Strong Spin and Pace Attack for MI Cape Town
Despite Shamsi’s absence, MI Cape Town still boast a strong spin attack with Rashid Khan, George Linde, and Dane Piedt available for the fourth season of SA20. Their pace battery includes star bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Corbin Bosch, and Dwaine Pretorius, ensuring balance in the squad.
Kaber Returns to MI Cape Town
Thomas Kaber returns to the team after representing MI Cape Town in the last two seasons. He played eight matches in the 2023–24 season and featured once in the 2024–25 title-winning campaign. Overall, Kaber has picked up 10 wickets in seven bowling innings in SA20, averaging 16.60 with an economy of 8.05.
In the ongoing CSA T20 Challenge, he has taken seven wickets in six matches for the Warriors, maintaining an excellent economy rate of 6.31.
Shamsi Was Signed for R500,000
Shamsi was bought for R500,000 in the September 2025 SA20 auction. Before joining MI Cape Town, he represented Joburg Super Kings last season and Paarl Royals in the league’s first two editions.
Currently, he is playing for Northern Warriors in the Abu Dhabi T10. Earlier this year, he declined a Cricket South Africa central contract and was also not included in the ODI series against India. His last appearance for South Africa in T20Is came during the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Also read: M Chinnaswamy Stadium first Test history
Season Opener on December 26
Defending champions MI Cape Town will open their SA20 2025 campaign against Durban’s Super Giants on December 26. The Newlands ground, their home venue, will host both the opener and the final on January 25.
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