Former Indian pace spearhead Zaheer Khan has announced his retirement from international cricket.
As I was training for the upcoming season, it dawned on me that my shoulder may not last the rigours of bowling nearly 18 overs a day, and that’s when I knew it was time. With immediate effect I bid adieu to my career in international cricket. I look forward to signing off my last season in domestic cricket at the conclusion of IPL season 9.
– Zaheer Khan
The 37-year-old last took the field for India in February 2014 when the team toured New Zealand for a Test series. The fast bowler picked up a total of nine wickets in his two outings there.
Zaheer signs off on an illustrious career in which he took 311 wickets from 92 tests, 282 from 200 ODIs and 17 from 17 Twenty20 games. He also played in three World Cups for India and was a member of the World Cup-winning squad in 2011 and the runner-up team in 2003.
He announced his decision with this statement on twitter.
Among the many highlights of his career, Zaheer zeroed in on the 2011 World Cup win as his biggest triumph.
My greatest cricketing moment was lifting the World Cup as part of team India and creating history. We played as a top team and being part of the journey of India as a top ODI side was very fulfilling. As a young fast bowler who grew up watching the legends of the game, I remember the satisfaction and the joy to win a test match for India.
– Zaheer Khan
For this fans though there is promise for more. The paceman signed off, with promise of a comeback. Possibly as a bowling coach?
‘Zack is back’ is perhaps a headline that may come my way again as I have every intention of giving back to this game and our wonderful country which gave this kid from Shrirampur the opportunity to chase and live his dream.
– Zaheer Khan
The leading wicket-taker of the 2011 World Cup with 21 scalps, Zaheer had been struggling with injuries in the last few years which seem to have eventually led to his decision to retire today.
Zaheer last played an ODI for India in October 2012.
In 92 Test matches, Zaheer has taken 311 wickets and is fourth highest wicket-taker in longer version amongst Indians after Anil Kumble (619), Kapil Dev (434) and Harbhajan Singh (417).
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