Prithvi Shaw Joins Maharashtra in Bid to Revive Career

Prithvi Shaw has officially joined the Maharashtra state team. The announcement, made by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) on Monday, comes after Shaw secured a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association last week.

The 24-year-old opener, once regarded as a future star of Indian cricket, had been dropped from the Mumbai team midway through last domestic season. Struggling with form, fitness, and off-field issues, Shaw has now chosen a fresh start in a new environment.

“At this stage of my career, I believe joining the Maharashtra team will help me grow further as a cricketer. I am deeply grateful to the Mumbai Cricket Association for the opportunities and support I have received over the years,” Shaw said in a statement.

He expressed optimism about the infrastructure and culture in Maharashtra cricket, noting, “Maharashtra Cricket Association has made remarkable efforts in recent years to enhance cricketing infrastructure across the state…. I am confident that being part of such a progressive setup will positively impact my journey as a cricketer. I’m happy to get the opportunity to play alongside talented players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ankit Bawne, Rahul Tripathi, Rajneesh Gurbani, and Mukesh Choudhary in the Maharashtra team.”

Shaw’s inclusion was confirmed following a meeting with MCA president Rohit Pawar and secretary Kamlesh Pisal at the cricketer’s Mumbai residence. Though the transfer is being viewed as a long-term collaboration, the current agreement spans an initial period of three years.

“We are delighted to welcome a player of Prithvi’s calibre to the Maharashtra team,” said Pawar. “His inclusion adds tremendous strength to an already talented squad. Shaw’s international and IPL experience will be invaluable, especially for mentoring younger players in the squad. MCA stands firmly behind Prithvi in his new journey, and we wish him the very best for the seasons ahead.”

Shaw’s career began with promise, leading India to the U-19 World Cup title in 2018 and scoring a century on his Test debut the same year. However, injuries, technical flaws, and disciplinary concerns have curtailed his progress. His last international match came in 2021, and he was left unsold in the IPL auction last November.

Now with Maharashtra, Shaw eyes a clean slate, one that may reignite the promise that once made him Indian cricket’s brightest hope.