Shahbaz Nadeem says mix of former players and administrators ideal for running cricket
Shahbaz Nadeem spoke at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on October 28, 2026, saying a blend of former players and administrators is best for the conduct of the game during the third day of the Ranji Trophy Group‑C match between Jharkhand and Delhi. He made the remarks at the stadium while serving as joint‑secretary of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association.
Nadeem, 37, retired from playing in 2024 and was elected joint‑secretary of the JSCA in May last year, a role that has taken him from left‑arm spin on the field to an administrative desk in the association’s offices. The former tweaker has moved into the association’s day‑to‑day operations and was at his desk when he discussed the transition with The Hindu.
“The experience has been good. When you get into cricket administration, you have to seek the welfare of the players. When you have been a cricketer yourself, you have knowledge about what is needed. As an administrator, you have the power to implement the things you have thought about,” the former tweaker, who played two Tests for India besides taking 542 First Class wickets, told The Hindu on Wednesday.
Nadeem acknowledged that the shift from playing to running the sport is not straightforward for many and pointed to the broader skillset required for administration. “More cricketers should definitely get into administration,” he felt. “In a cricket association, we have to run cricket, right? So, the experience I have gained by playing cricket is ideal. I wouldn’t say an entire association should be made up of cricketers. A mix of former cricketers and administrative people will make the running of the game smooth.”
His principal attachment to left‑arm spin remains evident in his appraisal of young bowlers, and he singled out Manav Suthar for praise. “I rate him very highly. The quality of his stock ball is fantastic,” Nadeem assessed. “He has the quality of a proper left‑arm spinner. I have seen someone like him after very long. He is the perfect candidate to be invested in”.
Play on the third day of the Ranji Trophy Group‑C match between Jharkhand and Delhi was abandoned at 3 p.m. without a ball bowled because of rain and bad light.
