Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
Now 38, Pathan was an all-rounder from Baroda who played 57 one-day internationals for India along with 22 T20Is. He made his international debut in 2007 and was part of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ICC World Cup winning squads.
Yusuf scored 810 ODI runs and 236 T20I runs for India also picking 46 wickets for the team.
He last played in the Indian jersey in 2012, during the T20I series in South Africa while his last first-class game for Baroda was in 2020, when he played a Ranji Trophy match in February against Tamil Nadu.
The cricketer released a statement on social media to inform of his decision.
"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 international level, domestic level and in the IPL in my career.
"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 the 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,” it read.
"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.
"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 added.
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