Leading wicket-taker and Proteas Women star bowler Shabnim Ismail will join the DP WORLD Lions Ladies this season.
Ismail is South Africa’s all-time leading wicket-taker in the ODI and T20 International set up in women’s cricket.
“I am really looking forward to joining the DP World Lions family again. I am grateful for the opportunity as I love the game and thrive on keeping active. I am certainly ready to put my hand up this season and make it count,” revealed Ismail.
In May this year, Ismail announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket to focus on her family and playing T20 domestic cricket around the world.
Soon to don the blue and yellow of the Lions Ladies, the fast bowler bowed out after representing her country in 241 international ODI’s, T20I’s and Test matches, this after making her debut for the national team in 2007.
DP WORLD Lions Ladies head coach Shaun Pretorius, said: “You can’t put a price tag on a player of Shabnim’s ability, experience and passion. Her work ethic, determination, knowledge and love of the game align to the Lions Way. This Pride is proud to have her and all those at DP World Wanderers Stadium warmly welcome her.”
CEO of Lions Cricket Jono Leaf-Wright also added: “We’re thrilled to add this superstar to our already powerful Pride. The level-headed Shabnim exemplifies our passion to succeed, not only with bat and ball in hand, but beyond the boundary ropes as she imparts her extensive knowledge to all those she interacts with. It is our honour to have her join us and I for one, cannot wait for the season to unravel.”
The Lions have shown they mean business as Ismail joins her former teammate in the Proteas set-up, Sinalo Jafta, as the team’s most recent additions to the current CSA T20 Competition Champions.
Ismail will hope to assist the team at The Bull Ring as they look to not only retain that title, but certainly add more to the cabinet come campaign kick-off later this month.
Photo 1 Caption: Leading wicket-taker and Proteas Women star bowler Shabnim Ismail will join the DP WORLD Lions Ladies this season. Photo: Shabnim Ismail (Instagram)