New Delhi: Indian all-rounder Yusuf Pathan announced his retirement from all formats of cricket on Friday (February 26). He released a statement to inform his decision in a social media post. He thanked his fans, family and coaches for the support and love.
“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,” he wrote.
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“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.”
“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,” the statement read.
Yusuf played 57 ODIs and 22 T20Is for India and was known to be an impact player in the blue jersey. The middle-order batsman was part of the Indian team that won the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup. He also kept entertaining his fans in the Indian Premier League.
Yusuf’s37-ball century in the IPL 2010 season against Mumbai Indians is still the second-fastest in the history of the tournament and the fastest among Indians. Yusuf has also won the Indian Premier League twice with Kolkata Knight Riders – in 2012, 2014. He last played in the IPL in 2019 for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
