Ismail returns with unfinished business

When Shabnim Ismail announced her retirement in 2023, it felt like the end of one of South Africa’s greatest fast-bowling careers. Nearly three years later, the Proteas pace icon is back as she returns to their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup squad.

The 37-year-old, South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in both ODIs and T20Is, returns to international cricket with one clear goal: helping her side finally lift a global trophy after falling short in the finals of the 2023 and 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

“I don't think words can actually describe what it feels like to wear the Protea badge again and play for your country and millions of people are actually watching you.

“I always say it's a huge honour for me to play for the badge. So I'm really happy to be wearing the badge again,” Ismail said.

Ismail admitted a return was never part of the plan, but conversations with those closest to her and encouragement from head coach Mandla Mashimbyi slowly changed her thinking.

“He was like, take your time to make the decision. I'm not forcing you to play, but I really need and want you to come back and help us win the World Cup.”

That message resonated deeply with Ismail, who says her comeback is not about proving a point, but about contributing to something bigger.

“I'm coming back, first of all, because I miss playing cricket. I miss playing at the highest level and I miss obviously putting on the badge and going out there and performing.

“I'm a really hard worker. I still am who I am. I never change and I just want to go out there and obviously do my thing and then also the most important part is try to help win the World Cup, playing again for South Africa. I think that will be just the cherry on the top for me,” she commented.

Despite her return, Ismail is quick to praise a South African side that has continued to evolve, reaching final after final and building depth and experience through players such as Marizanne Kapp, Tumi Sekhukhune and Ayabonga Khaka.

“To be honest, I don't actually think the team needs me. I think they've been doing phenomenal... but in saying that it's nice for me to come back and obviously help win the World Cup.”

A major part of that role, she says, is mentoring the next generation and helping younger players embrace the freedom that comes with competing alongside world-class teammates.

“They should be going out there and saying, “You know what, I'm playing with the best in the world. So if I can't beat them, let me join them and help us win the World Cup.””

For Ismail, South Africa’s challenge is no longer about skill. It is about mindset and finding a way to overcome the final hurdle after years of near misses.

“We've made finals after finals. I think it's just that one element. I don't really think it's skill. For me, it's more the mental part of knowing that when we get to the final, how are we going to overcome that one last hurdle.

“So when I do obviously go to this World Cup, we can actually make it right through and actually win the World Cup and come home really happy. That's one thing that will actually give me that boost.

“I have a good feeling that, you know what, we can actually do it this time. And I always say ‘third time lucky.’”