Usama Mir: Patience Rewarded, Nearly a Decade Later
Some careers move in a straight line. Usama Mir’s took the scenic route — nearly seven years between first being tagged an emerging PSL talent and actually earning his Pakistan cap, with a serious back injury and years of watching Shadab Khan occupy the white-ball leg-spin slot he might otherwise have filled.
Sialkot, and the pull of Wasim Akram and Inzamam
Mir was born on 23 December 1995 in Sialkot. Standing an unusually tall 6 feet 3 inches for a leg-spinner, Mir has spoken about drawing direct inspiration from Shane Warne.
Tagged as a breakout star, then overshadowed
By January 2016, Mir was already being named among “five potential breakout stars of the PSL.” But at almost exactly this moment, Shadab Khan emerged as Pakistan’s white-ball leg-spin option of choice.
A genuinely global T20 career, built while waiting
Mir used the years without international recognition to build one of the more well-travelled T20 résumés among Pakistani spinners — the Big Bash League, the Hundred, the CPL, and the BPL, alongside his ongoing PSL career with Multan Sultans.
The debut, finally, in 2023
Mir’s ODI debut came on 9 January 2023 against New Zealand, taking 2 for 55, including the wicket of Kane Williamson.
World Cup history, via an unwanted first
Mir became the first-ever concussion substitute used in Cricket World Cup history, coming on to replace Shadab Khan in a match against South Africa, taking 2 for 45.
Franchise success around the world
His 2024 PSL campaign was a genuine standout: 24 wickets in 12 matches, earning him the tournament’s Bowler of the Tournament award.
Where his career stands
Usama Mir’s story is a rebuttal to the idea that a cricketer’s window closes once a rival establishes themselves in the same role.
Quick facts
Full name: Usama Mir | Born: 23 December 1995, Sialkot | Role: Right-arm leg-spin bowler | Notable: First concussion substitute in Cricket World Cup history (2023), PSL 2024 Bowler of the Tournament (24 wickets), Sialkot Region captain (2025-26).
Frequently asked questions
How old is Usama Mir?
Born on 23 December 1995, Usama Mir is in his early thirties as of 2026.
What is Usama Mir famous for?
Becoming the first-ever concussion substitute used at a Cricket World Cup, replacing Shadab Khan against South Africa in 2023.
Why did it take Usama Mir so long to debut for Pakistan?
Shadab Khan’s emergence as Pakistan’s preferred white-ball leg-spinner, combined with a back injury, delayed his debut until 2023.
How did Usama Mir perform in the 2024 PSL?
He was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets, earning Bowler of the Tournament.
Which PSL team does Usama Mir play for?
Multan Sultans, having previously played for Karachi Kings.
Related players
Shadab Khan · Babar Azam · Abrar Ahmed · Browse more on our Players page
Researched and fact-checked against official league, federation and governing-body sources. Reviewed by Makhdoomzada Zaeem Muhammad, Founder & Editor, PinLivescore.