Prithvi Shaw Quits Mumbai Cricket Amid Rising Concern over Recent Form

The Mumbai Cricket Association granted Prithvi Shaw an NOC to play for another state, following his request to leave due to poor form.

Prithvi Shaw Quits Mumbai Cricket Amid Rising Concern over Recent Form

Prithvi Shaw has quit Mumbai cricket, after asking for an NOC from the MCA. (Image via Indian Express)

Indian opener Prithvi Shaw has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), allowing him to represent another state in domestic cricket. This development comes after he recently expressed his will to depart Mumbai cricket, owing to concerns over his poor form.

Prithvi Shaw had written a letter to the MCA, requesting an NOC to allow him to play professional cricket from another Indian state, ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 domestic cricket season. MCA secretary Abhay Hadap, in a statement on behalf of the association, stated that the player’s request, after careful consideration, has been fulfilled and that an NOC would soon be issued for Shaw to leave Mumbai.

In his letter the MCA, the out-of-favor Indian opener expressed gratitude for the opportunities and support that he received from the cricketing body. Explaining the reason behind his decision to leave Mumbai, Shaw revealed that he received a promising offer to represent another state cricket association. He stated this new opportunity would significantly contribute to his growth and development.

Prithvi Shaw’s decision to leave Mumbai cricket team does not come as a surprise, as fans believe that his poor form is what prompted his departure. The 25-year-old right-handed batter, who rose to fame after leading the Indian Under-19 team to World Cup glory in 2018, had a tumultuous last few years. He broke into the Indian team in 2018, making his Test debut at the age of just 18, against West Indies.

In the five Test matches that he featured in, Prithvi Shaw scored 339 runs at a decent average of 42.37, even becoming the youngest batter to score a Test century on debut for India. However, a combination of poor on-field performances in 2020-21 and various off-field controversies led to him losing his spot in the national team. In July 2019, he even received an eight-month ban from the BCCI for testing positive for terbutaline, a banned substance found in cough syrups.

Shaw was dropped by Mumbai from a Ranji Trophy game and the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad last year, due to fitness concerns as well as his poor disciplinary record. The MCA trainers even prescribed a rigorous two-week fitness programme for the batter to get his place back in the team. The young man suffered another major setback, after he was not picked at the 2025 IPL auction, despite having scored over 1800 runs in the competition, since 2018. 

Therefore, it remains to be seen what lies ahead for Prithvi Shaw, whether he returns back to form, or fades away. Shaw did, however, have a decent 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season, contributing 197 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 156.34 and an average of 21.88.

Where Next for Prithvi Shaw? Possible Destinations Emerge Following Mumbai Cricket Exit

After having been decided to leave Mumbai cricket, numerous possible destinations have emerged for Prithvi Shaw. The out-of-favor opener ended his nine-year association with Mumbai, having played 58 first-class matches for them. 

Prithvi Shaw new state cricket team
Goa has emerged as a possible destination for Prithvi Shaw, after departing Mumbai cricket. (via Times of India)

While Shaw most recently confirmed that he has received an offer from another state cricket association to represent them, he is yet to reveal the details. It is rumored that Goa might be the potential future destination for him. Goa Cricket Association is actively seeking to attract a seasoned opener, especially after their unsuccessful attempt to secure another prominent Mumbai star, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Should Prithvi Shaw decide to switch allegiance from Mumbai to Goa, who would be the third player after Siddhesh Lad and Arjun Tendulkar to do so? Apart from Goa, other potential state teams for Shaw include Vidarbha, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Pondicherry.