Is Prithvi Shaw Leaving Mumbai for Another Team?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Prithvi Shaw is seeking an NOC to play for a new team.
- Shaw was previously part of the Mumbai squad but faced exclusion due to performance issues.
- He has had notable successes, including leading India to a U19 World Cup victory.
- Shaw's application reflects his desire for growth in his cricket career.
- The MCA is expected to make a decision on his application soon.
Mumbai, June 23 (NationPress) Indian opener Prithvi Shaw has officially applied for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), indicating his desire to depart from Mumbai and join another team for the upcoming 2025/26 domestic cricket season.
"Yes, it’s accurate that Prithvi Shaw has submitted a request for a No Objection Certificate (NOC), and our Apex Council will make a decision by this evening," stated Abhay Hadap, Secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), during an interview with IANS on Monday afternoon.
Shaw, who led India to victory in the 2018 U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, was removed from the Mumbai squad during the initial phase of last year’s Ranji Trophy in October due to concerns regarding his form and fitness.
He made a return to the team during their triumphant campaign in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), where he scored an impressive 197 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 156.34. However, following this achievement, Shaw, aged 25, was excluded from Mumbai’s lineup for the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT).
"At this point in my career, I have been presented with a significant opportunity to play professional cricket with another State Association, which I believe will significantly aid in my development as a cricketer. Therefore, I kindly ask for the issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) enabling me to officially represent the new State Association in the upcoming domestic season.
"Please rest assured that this decision was made after thorough consideration and with the utmost respect for the MCA. I am forever thankful to the association for the support and platform provided over the years," Shaw expressed in his NOC application to the MCA.
Shaw, who scored a century on his Test debut against the West Indies at Rajkot in 2018, was also dropped by his IPL team, Delhi Capitals, during the 2024 season before being released. He subsequently went unsold in the mega auction for the 2025 season and was not considered as a replacement player by any of the ten competing teams during the tournament.
To date, Shaw has participated in five Tests, six ODIs, and one T20I for India, while he recently played for the North Mumbai Panthers in the newly revived Mumbai T20 League. It remains uncertain which team Shaw will join in the upcoming domestic season if his NOC request receives approval from the MCA.
There was speculation surrounding a potential move to Maharashtra, but Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Honorary Secretary Advocate Kamlesh Pisal refuted this. “This is all speculation regarding the player from Mumbai (Shaw), as I cannot endorse any official information at this time. However, once things are finalized, we will issue a statement in the coming days," he said to IANS.