Proteas spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has not retired from international cricket.
Shamsi, who has chosen not to be contracted by Cricket South Africa, recently worked with the West Indies.
“There are no hard feelings between me and the Proteas team,” he told Rapport.
“Everyone is at ease. It has nothing to do with loyalty or anything of that nature, it is simply a professional opportunity to hone a new skill. I am still 100 percent committed to Proteas cricket for sure.
“I did not share any Proteas tactics or talk about Proteas players at all. I am not involved in team or selectors’ meetings. I have kept my distance from all that.”
Earlier this year, Shamsi joined the Adelaide Strikers in the 2025-26 Big Bash League in Australia after withdrawing from MI Cape Town’s squad for season four of the SA20 due to “personal reasons” – and took legal action against CSA.
“I am grateful that the Johannesburg High Court recognised the urgency of my situation and granted interim relief,” he said at the time.
“I was reluctant to take this matter to court, but it became necessary to bring certainty and resolve a situation that could not be resolved in any other way. This was never about maximising opportunities, but being able to approach my career in a considered and sustainable way.
“As a husband and a father, I also had to do what was right for my wife and our young child, and ensure stability for my family alongside the demands of a global cricket career.
“Looking ahead, my focus is firmly on cricket. I want to continue performing at the highest level, contributing positively wherever I play, and remaining available to represent South Africa whenever the opportunity arises.
“I have always taken immense pride in representing South Africa and remain fully committed and available to play for my country whenever called upon. Representing South Africa has been the greatest honour of my professional career.”