Prithvi Shaw, the once-heralded young batting prodigy, has decided to leave his home team of Mumbai and seek a fresh start by representing another state in domestic cricket. The 25-year-old has officially requested a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), signaling his intention to transfer his professional cricketing career elsewhere for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Shaw's decision comes after a period of inconsistent performance and struggles to maintain his place in the Mumbai squad. Fitness issues have also plagued him, leading to him being dropped from the Ranji Trophy squad last year. Despite warnings from the team management and selectors to reduce his weight and improve his fitness, Shaw was unable to meet the required standards, which ultimately led to his exclusion from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad as well.
In a letter addressed to the MCA, Shaw expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he received while representing Mumbai, where he debuted in 2017. However, he stated that he believes a change of scenery and representing a new state association would contribute to his growth and development as a cricketer.
"At this juncture in my career, I have been presented with a promising opportunity to play professional cricket under another State Association, which I believe will further contribute to my growth and development as a cricketer," Shaw wrote in his letter to the MCA. "In light of this, I kindly request you to issue me a No Objection Certificate (NOC) that will enable me to officially represent the new State Association in the upcoming domestic season."
MCA secretary Abhay Hadap confirmed that the association had received Shaw's request and would discuss the matter with the Apex Council members before making a final decision. According to reports, Shaw has already received offers from two to three other states, and if granted the NOC, he will be free to register with a new team for the upcoming domestic season. While there are reports indicating that Shaw could represent Maharashtra, partnering with Ruturaj Gaikwad, there has been no confirmation on the new team.
Shaw's career has faced numerous setbacks in recent years, despite initial comparisons to legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Brian Lara. After leading the India Under-19 team to World Cup victory in 2018, Shaw quickly rose to prominence, making his debut for the senior Indian team the same year. However, he has struggled to maintain consistency and has been in and out of the national side. He last played for India in 2021, and his recent form in domestic cricket has not been up to par.
Concerns about Shaw's fitness and discipline have also been raised by cricket pundits and astrologers alike. Some have predicted a challenging road ahead for the young cricketer, suggesting that he may need to make significant changes to his work ethic and lifestyle to revive his career. Former Mumbai teammate Shashank Singh has publicly stated that Shaw needs to improve his discipline and work ethic to reach his full potential.
Despite the challenges, Shaw remains determined to turn his career around. His decision to leave Mumbai and seek a fresh start is a testament to his desire to continue playing cricket and prove his worth. Only time will tell if this move will pay off and whether Shaw can rediscover the form that once made him one of the most promising young cricketers in India.
