India opener Prithvi Shaw has applied for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to leave Mumbai and join a new team for the 2025/26 domestic cricket season. After form and fitness issues, Shaw seeks a fresh start and better opportunities outside the Mumbai Cricket Association.
India opener and former U19 World Cup-winning captain Prithvi Shaw has officially applied for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) in order to represent a new team in the upcoming 2025/26 domestic cricket season. The 25-year-old batter, once considered one of India’s brightest young talents, is seeking a fresh start in his career after a turbulent period with both domestic and franchise cricket.
Abhay Hadap, Secretary of the MCA, confirmed the development on Monday afternoon. “Yes, it’s true that Prithvi Shaw has applied for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and our Apex Council will take a decision by today evening,” he told IANS.
Shaw’s decision to move away from Mumbai marks a significant shift in his cricketing journey. He rose to prominence after leading India to victory in the 2018 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. However, his domestic career with Mumbai has seen ups and downs in recent years, largely due to fitness concerns and inconsistent performances.
In the 2023/24 Ranji Trophy season, Shaw was dropped from the Mumbai squad during the first leg of the tournament, with selectors citing issues related to his form and fitness. Although he made a brief comeback during Mumbai’s victorious 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) campaign — where he scored 197 runs in nine matches at an impressive strike rate of 156.34 — he was subsequently left out of the team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Explaining his decision, Shaw wrote in his application to the MCA, “At this juncture in my career, I have been presented with a promising opportunity to play professional cricket under another State Association, which I believe will further contribute to my growth and development as a cricketer. In light of this, I kindly request you to issue me a No Objection Certificate (NOC) that will enable me to officially represent the new State Association in the upcoming domestic season.
“Please be assured that this decision has been made after careful consideration, and with utmost respect for the MCA. I remain ever grateful to the association for the guidance and platform provided over the years.”
Shaw’s career trajectory has been rocky since his memorable Test debut against the West Indies in 2018 at Rajkot, where he scored a century. Despite his early promise, he has only played five Tests, six ODIs, and one T20I for India. His struggles have been mirrored in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well. After being dropped by the Delhi Capitals during the 2024 season, Shaw was released by the franchise. He went unsold in the mega auction for the 2025 edition and was not picked up as a replacement player by any of the ten IPL teams during the tournament.
Most recently, Shaw featured for the North Mumbai Panthers in the revived Mumbai T20 League. However, his future for the 2025/26 domestic season remains uncertain, pending approval of his NOC and confirmation of his next team.
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There have been rumors that Shaw might join the Maharashtra state team, but officials have denied any such move. Advocate Kamlesh Pisal, Honorary Secretary of the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA), dismissed the speculation. “This is all speculation in regards to that player from Mumbai (Shaw), because there is no official information which I can endorse. But when things are in place, we will issue a statement in the coming days,” he said to IANS.
With the domestic season approaching and Shaw seeking a new home, his next move will be closely watched by fans and selectors alike. His departure from Mumbai could offer him a much-needed fresh start and the chance to rejuvenate a career that once promised so much.
