Mumbai: India’s veteran left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, October 15.
The 37-year-old pacer announced his decision via social media posts. He will call time on his domestic career after the conclusion on the 2016 Indian Premier league.
“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 Indian Premier League season 9,” he wrote.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paid rich tributes to the fast bowler.
“The BCCI appreciates Zaheer Khan’s outstanding service to Indian Cricket. He served Indian cricket with remarkable passion and commitment. Being a fast bowler in the Indian sub continent is challenging but he led the bowling attack with distinction and contributed significantly to the success of Indian cricket .I wish him all the best for the future,” Shashank Manohar, BCCI president said in a statement on Thursday.
“Zaheer will go down as one of the finest fast bowler in the history of Indian cricket. He has been the leader of Indian fast bowlers in the last decade or so and of the best exponent of reverse swing in the country. He has been an outstanding role model on and off the field for Indian cricket. Zaheer has been of the key reasons for India’s success over the last fifteen years. I congratulate him on his wonderful career,” Anurag Thakur, BCCI secretary, said.
“One of the coolest pace bowlers I know. He was a bowler who could ‘out think’ the batsman most of the times. Always up for a challenge. I am sure he will do well as he begins a new chapter in his life. Wishing @ImZaheer all success in his retired life,” batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar said on Twitter.
Zaheer has played 92 Tests and 200 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), picking up 282 and 311 wickets, respectively. He had played a crucial role in the 2011 World Cup and was the joint highest wicket-taker along with Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi, claiming 21 wickets at 18.76. He played his last game for the country in 2014 at Wellington against New Zealand.
“Zak 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!” he signed off.
