Ace Indian all-rounder Yusuf Pathan announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. Soon after veteran pacer Vinay Kumar announced it on Twitter, Pathan also made the announcement through his Twitter handle.
“I thank my family, friends, fans, teams, coaches and the whole country wholeheartedly for all the support and love. #retirement,” Pathan twitted.
The 38-year-old was a part of the World Cup 2011 winning team and the T20 World Cup 2007 winning squad. He was also a part of three Indian Premier League winning titles.
“I still remember the day when I wore the India jersey for the first time. I didn’t only wear the jersey that day, but I took upon my family’s, coach’s, friends’, the whole country’s and my own expectations on my shoulders as well. Since my childhood, my life has revolved only around cricket. I played at the international level, domestic level and in the IPL in my career,” he wrote.
“But today is a bit different. There is no World Cup or IPL final today but it is equally important. The time has come today for me to put a full stop to this innings of my life. I officially announce retirement from all forms of game. I thank my family, friends, fans, teams, coaches and the whole country wholeheartedly for all the support and love. I am sure you will continue to encourage me in future as well,” he added.
The Vadodara based cricketer played 57 One Day Internationals and 22 T20 Internationals. In 57 ODIs he has 810 runs and 33 wickets. In 22 T20Is picking up 13 wickets, he scored 236 runs.
“Winning two World Cups for India and lifting Sachin Tendulkar on my shoulders were some of the best moments of my career. I made my international debut under MS Dhoni, IPL debut under Shane Warne, Ranji debut under Jacob Martin and would like to thank them for believing in me. I thank Gautam Gambhir with whom at KKR, we won the IPL trophy twice. I would also like to thank my brother and backbone Irfan Pathan who was always there for me during the highs and lows of my career. Last but not the least, I would like to thank the BCCI & BCA for giving me the opportunity to play for my country and state,” he further added.
“Nothing can keep me away from cricket and my passion for the sport will remain the same. I will continue to entertain everyone even in future,” he concluded.
