Mumbai Indians

With the Women’s Cricket World Cup coming up in June 2026, the South African outfit will feature an extremely special cricketer amongst their setup. A familiar fireball steaming in once again, as Shabnim Ismail has officially reversed her international retirement. Pace, passion and pure breed fire, her return feels like the comeback every fan was secretly hoping for. 💙

For South Africa, it is the return of their most experienced bowler with great skill sets who thrives in the biggest moments. The passionate energy Shabnim brings onto the field with the new ball in hand is something phenomenal. That trademark run up, fierce stare while executing her plan and finally the thunderbolt wicket taking deliveries always makes her stand out. From pressure overs to impeccable breakthroughs, she is the ultimate captain’s bowler. 🔥

Most importantly she has played a vital role for us at Mumbai Indians during the WPL, where she impressed over the last three seasons. Her unmatched intensity, fearless attitude along with her guiding nature as senior pro has always made her stand out in the MI setup. Her impact went far beyond the game as she embodies the MI culture in her heart and soul. 💪

Speaking to Cricket South Africa post the announcement, Shabnim said, “I started playing for South Africa in 2007 and I do not think words can describe what it actually feels to wear the Proteas badge again and to play for your country with millions of people, friends, family actually watching you. I am really happy to be wearing this badge again.”

“I never thought I would come back and play. But I actually miss playing cricket in general and obviously playing at the highest level against the best of best in the world is always a different feeling. It will be great to still see if I can portray my skills and still execute when I come out there. I just want to go out there, do my thing and most importantly try and help South Africa win the World Cup. That will just be the cherry on the top for me.”

On being asked about what it would be like when she gets onto the field again in the international circuit, Ismail reflected, “I am a firm believer that once I step over the rope, it is a team game and not a one-man show. For me, the hard yards start again right from training. I would be happy to come out in the middle and execute my skills. If I do obviously happen to break records, that is just another accolade added to my list. I just want to go out there, still enjoy myself and be the same old me.”

Speaking about working with the youngsters in the side, she opined, “I am happy there are so many youngsters coming through the pipeline and I will make sure that I take all of them under my wings, so that they can go out and play with freedom. The most important thing is they should not feel any kind of pressure.”

“I am just excited to be part of the team again. I am coming back not because I want to prove something. I am coming back because I miss playing the game at the highest level. I just want all the fans out there to still back and support us. It is never easy; we made it to three finals and never got over the line. Hopefully, this time we can do it.” 💙