Cape Town: Tabraiz Shamsi, the experienced South African wrist‑spinner and recent signing for MI Cape Town, has pulled out of the upcoming SA20 campaign due to personal matters, making his spot available for the all‑rounder Thomas Kaber. Kaber, another left‑arm wrist‑spinner, is stepping in as Shamsi’s replacement.
Kaber is returning to a familiar setup, having spent the last two seasons with MI Cape Town. He only appeared in a single match during the club’s 2024‑25 title‑winning run, and played eight games in 2023‑24. In his SA20 career so far, he has bowled seven overs, snagging 10 wickets at a solid average of 16.60 and an economy of 8.05.
His batting opportunities have been scarce, yet he has managed 34 runs across four innings, remaining not out three times. In the current CSA T20 Challenge for the Warriors, he has taken seven wickets over six matches, conceding just 6.31 runs per over and averaging 17.42.
Despite Shamsi’s exit, MI Cape Town’s spin attack stays robust, with Rashid Khan, George Linde, and Dane Piedt bringing depth and variety. Their pace options remain strong as well, highlighted by internationals Kagiso Rabada and Trent Boult, alongside Corbin Bosch and Dwaine Pretorius.
Shamsi was bought at the September auction for R500,000 (about USD 29,000) and was slated to debut for the franchise. He previously played for the Joburg Super Kings and Paarl Royals in earlier editions, and is currently with the Northern Warriors in the Abu Dhabi T10. Earlier this year, he declined a national contract with Cricket South Africa and was left out of the ODI series against India. His latest T20I appearance was at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
MI Cape Town, the defending champions, will kick off their title defence on December 26 against Durban’s Super Giants at Newlands—a venue that will also host the final on January 25.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
