South Africa's star left-arm chinaman bowler Tabraiz Shamsi has pulled out of upcoming SA20 2025-2026 season citing personal reasons. Shamsi was roped in for R500,000 by MI Cape Town in the mega auction in September.
Shamsi has been replaced by Thomas Kaber who has represented MI Cape Town in the previous two seasons.
“He's a hugely experienced Protean lad, having made his domestic debut for the Northerns way back in 2009. An aggressive middle-order bat, a left-arm wrist-spinner, he's the complete package!” the statement read.
“He's no stranger to the #OneFamily, having been part of the MI Cape Town squad for the last two seasons, including the season three title win. We're super excited to have you back, TK!”
Shamsi has played 24 SA20 games and claimed 21 wickets at an average of 28.23. He has represented Joburg Super Kings and Paarl Royals in South Africa's T20 franchise tournament.
MI Cape Town's spin department still strong
Despite Shamsi's departure, MI Cape Town have a good spin-bowling lineup consisting of Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, George Lind and Dane Piedt.
MI Cape Town are the defending champions of the tournament. They will begin their campaign against Aiden Markram-led Durban Super Giants on December 26 at their home venue.
Kaber’s T20 record
Shamsi’s replacement, Kaber has 10 wickets at an average of 16.10 and an economy rate just over eight runs per over. With the bat, he has scored 34 runs from four innings.
Overall, 33-year-old Kaber has played 57 T20s and scored 382 runs from 35 innings at an average of 15.28, including a half-century. With the ball, he has 61 wickets at an average of 19.52 and concedes runs at 7.21 runs per over.
MI Cape Town’s updated squad -
Trent Boult, Rashid Khan, Ryan Rickelton, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Nicholas Pooran, Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Dwaine Pretorius, Tristan Luus, Jason Smith, Tom Moores, Dane Piedt, Tian van Vuuren, Dan Lategan, Thomas Kaber, Karim Janat, Jacques Snyman.