Kolkata: Senior Bengal pacer Ashoke Dinda has announced retirement from all formats of the game. The fast-bowler who featured in 13 ODIs and nine T20Is for India, on Tuesday (February 2) announced that he will be hanging up his boots. He was felicitated with a silver plaque and a bouquet, thanking him for his contribution throughout by CAB President Avishek Dalmiya, Secretary Snehashis Ganguly and Joint Secretary Debabrata Das.
After playing for two decades in Bengal, Dinda had moved to Goa this season. He has last featured in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last month. Addressing the media in Kolkata, Dinda thanked everyone for helping him throughout his career.
Talking to the media at CAB, he said: “I am today retiring from all formats of cricket. I have sent the mails to BCCI and GCA to this effect. There have been several people who have helped me throughout my career whom I would like to thank beginning with my parents. Then it’s Dada (Sourav Ganguly). It is because of him that I got to play for Bengal and when as skipper he stood at mid-off he would always guide and encourage me.”
He thanked CAB for always standing by him during his career spanning over two decades. “I can’t thank CAB enough for the support encouragement and backing I got. Today also I made one to our association president Avishek (Dalmiya) and he immediately gave me this platform to retire,” he said. Dinda further added that while playing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy he realised that his body was not supporting him and hence the decision.
“The contribution of Ashoke is enormous. He is one of the best fast bowlers we have produced. He will be remembered for his ability to take wickets and win matches, bowl long spells and his never-say-die spirit. He is welcome to be associated with CAB in some form as and when he wants. We wish him the best in his life beyond cricket,” said CAB President Dalmiya.
The 36-year-old, who earned his maiden first-class cap against Maharashtra in November 2005, played 116 first-class matches and ended up with 420 wickets at an average of just over 28.
Dinda recorded his best figures in first-class cricket (8/123) against North Zone in the 2011-12 season. He also bagged 151 wickets in List A cricket and 151 scalps in the T20 format. Dinda also picked up 12 ODI and 17 T20I scalps for India respectively.
