'Leaving a Rich Legacy': BCCI, Others on Mithali Raj's Exit From Int'l Cricket

Mithali Raj started her career in 1999, scoring a century on debut.

Mithali Raj scored a half century in the 2022 ICC Women's ODI match vs South Africa.

(Photo: ICC)

Soon after legendary cricketer Mithali Raj called time on her international career, which began in 1999, on Wednesday, 8 June, the Board of Control for Cricket in India congratulated her for her "rich legacy."

"Your contribution to Indian Cricket has been phenomenal. Congratulations Mithali Raj on an amazing career. You leave behind a rich legacy. We wish you all the very best for your second innings," the BCCI wrote on Twitter.

Several other personalities and teams from the world of cricket, including Shikhar Dhawan and Dinesh Karthik, took to Twitter to applaud Raj's career.

"I feel now is the perfect time to call curtains on my playing career as the team is in the capable hands of some very talented young players and the future of Indian Cricket is bright," Raj had announced on Twitter earlier on Wednesday.

The 39-year-old last made an appearance in the Indian jersey when she captained the team during the 2022 ICC Women's ODI World Cup in New Zealand.

"She made a significant contribution in popularising the women's game. This was her own decision. I wish her best and hope that she will keep on contributing in different roles," BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Actor Taapsee Pannu, who is set to star in an upcoming film on the cricket, titled Shabaash Mithu's, also shared an emotional note on Twitter.

In Women's Tests, Mithali Raj is India's only double centurion, with her 214 against England in 2002 which also the second-highest individual score in the game. In T20Is, she’s played 89 games and scored 2,364 runs in the format.