Prithvi Shaw seeks NOC to move on from Mumbai, set to join Maharashtra

Prithvi Shaw seeks NOC to move on from Mumbai, set to join Maharashtra. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Star batter Prithvi Shaw has expressed his willingness to end ties with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) in what has come as a shocking development. The right-handed batter has sought a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from his parent association to formally take things forward.

The India international, who has been out of the side for quite some time now and has even been ignored by the domestic side, wants to represent another state as a ‘professional’. According to Times of India's Gaurav Gupta, Shaw could be plying his trade for Maharashtra in the upcoming domestic season. This could see him playing under the leadership of the talented Ruturaj Gaikwad in key tournaments like Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

“He has sought NoC from us and we will take decision on it soon,” a source in the MCA confirmed to The Indian Express.

Shaw was dropped by the Mumbai senior selection committee last year from a Ranji Trophy encounter due to poor fitness and was prescribed a two-week fitness programme prepared by the MCA trainers. The team management had informed MCA that Prithvi’s body contains 35 percent fat and that he needs meticulous training before he returns to the side.

It is learnt that Shaw had received offers from two-three states earlier this month. Last October, the selection committee of MCA had taken a call that Shaw needed to get leaner by reducing his weight, if he wanted to represent the Mumbai team again. His fitness and form never improved, and as a result, the selection committee decided to leave him out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which was played in December 2024.

“Tell me God, what more do I have to see.. if 65 innings, 3399 runs at an average of 55.7 with a strike rate of 126, I’m not good enough… but I will keep my faith in you and hopefully people believe in me still… cause I will come back for sure.. Om Sai Ram," Shaw had posted on social media after being ignored by the selectors.

The 25-year-old has played five Tests, six ODIs, and one T20I for India. His last international appearance came in July 2021. Shaw went unsold in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in November last year. While many believed that Shaw would be roped in as a replacement player during IPL 2025, it didn't come to fruition.

The Thane-born, who was regarded as India's future batting superstar for a long time, is now seeking greener pastures with the hope of reviving his flagging career.