Indian Cricketer Zaheer Khan to retire

One of India’s premier fast bowlers, Zaheer Khan called time on his illustrious international career on Thursday.

The 37-year-old veteran, who has played 92 Test matches, 200 ODIs and 17 T20 Internationals, took to Twitter to formally announce his retirement.

“I bid adieu to my career in international cricket. I look forward to signing off with IPL 9,” he tweeted.

In a letter titled ‘a new beginning,’ he wrote that how calling the shots on his career was ‘toughest.’

“The toughest call in a cricketing career is when the cricketer has to walk away from the game itself. As I was training, it dawned over me that my shoulder might not last the rigorous of bowling 18 overs a day,” he wrote.

Zaheer said being part of the 2011 World Cup winning team was the most cherished moment of his career.

“My greatest cricketing moment was lifting the World Cup as part of Team India and creating history. We played as a top team and being part of the journey of India as a top ODI side was very fulfilling,” he said.

The affable bowler said he would try and give back to the game although he hasn’t yet decided how.

” ‘Zak is bak’ 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 said

In 92 Test matches, Zaheer has taken 311 wickets and is fourth highest wicket-taker in longer version amongst Indians after Anil Kumble (619), Kapil Dev (434) and Harbhajan Singh (417).

He played a major role in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph with 21 wickets in the tournament.

According to sources, Zaheer called up IPL chairman and senior BCCI functionary Rajeev Shukla to intimate his decision to hang his boots.

“Zaheer khan to announce his retirement today My best wishes to him for post retirement carrier (sic),” Shukla tweeted.

“Hope Zaheer Khan will keep on playing IPL. Zaheer has been my most favourite bowler since 2002 when I was manager of team india on England tour,” Shukla also tweeted.

Zaheer is contracted with Delhi Daredevils in the IPL.