Prithvi Shaw Set to Leave Mumbai, Seeks NOC for Fresh Start in Domestic Cricket

Prithvi Shaw is ready for a fresh start. The out-of-favor Mumbai batter has officially written to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), requesting a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) as he eyes a move to another state team ahead of the upcoming domestic season.

While it’s still unclear which state has approached him, sources have confirmed that Shaw has made his intentions known and is looking for a clean break. In his letter to the MCA, Shaw expressed his gratitude towards the association, saying, “I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Mumbai Cricket Association for the valuable opportunities and unwavering support extended to me during my time representing the association. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to be part of the MCA setup, and I am deeply grateful for the exposure and experience I have gained here.” 

Shaw also explained his reasons for wanting to move on, writing, “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.” MCA secretary Abhay Hadap confirmed the development, saying, “Yes, Prithvi Shaw has written a letter to us, seeking a No-Objection Certificate. We are just discussing it with the Apex Council members. We will make our decision by today evening.” 

Prithvi Shaw’s Fall from Grace 

At 25, Shaw’s career has hit a rough patch. Once touted as a future India regular, he has found himself on the sidelines due to concerns about fitness and discipline. He was dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad last year, with selectors pointing to his poor physical condition. The MCA’s support staff even drew up a two-week fitness programme to get him back on track — but it never really clicked. 

In terms of form, Prithvi Shaw hasn’t helped his cause. During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last season, he scored less than 200 runs in nine innings — hardly the return expected from someone of his talent. His final outing in a Mumbai shirt came in the title clash of that very tournament, where his team beat Madhya Pradesh, but his individual performance was forgettable. 

Even his IPL hopes have taken a hit. Shaw went unsold at the mega auction in Saudi Arabia last year. Despite several teams dealing with injury setbacks during the season, no franchise showed interest in signing him as a replacement — a telling sign of how far he’s fallen off the radar.  Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer had spoken about Shaw’s struggles after the Mushtaq Ali final, saying, “He needs to get his work ethics right, and if he does that, the sky is the limit for him.”  

Shaw’s numbers in domestic cricket still reflect his potential — 2,648 runs in 32 first-class games at an average of 49.03, including seven centuries and ten fifties. He also featured in 29 List A matches for Mumbai. But now, he’s looking to reboot his career away from the city that once embraced him as its next big star. Whether the move reignites his spark remains to be seen — but for Shaw, a change of scenery might just be what he needs.