Former Indian National Cricket team opener Wasim Jaffer has decided to bid farewell to all forms of cricket with immediate effect. Boasting staggering records in domestic cricket, Jaffer is arguably the most prolific run-scorers India has ever produced.
The 42-year-old Jaffer has played 31 Tests and scored 1,944 runs with an average of 34.11. He has five centuries and 11 fifties in the longest format, with 212 as his highest score. Wasim Jaffer, who made his Test and ODI debut against South Africa in 2006, is, however, remembered for his feats in domestic cricket, particularly the Ranji Trophy.
He became the first batsman to score 12,000 runs in Ranji Trophy, the coveted domestic tournament in India. The right-handed batsman played for Mumbai for the most part of his career and then also represented Vidarbha. He is also the first player to play in 150 Ranji Trophy matches.
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Speaking on his retirement, Wasim Jaffer thanked the almighty and all stakeholders who have been a part of his journey. Jaffer, who last turned out for Vidarbha in the ongoing Ranji Trophy has been a prolific run-scorer since his school days. Banking on an unbeaten 400 at the age of 15, Jaffer made his entry to first-class cricket and scored a triple-century in his second match.
"First of all, I would like to thank The Almighty Allah, who gave me the talent to play this beautiful game. I'd like to also thank my family – my parents and brothers for encouraging me to pursue the sport as a profession and my wife, who left a cosy life of England to create a lovely home for our children and me," he said in a statement.
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"A special thanks to all my coaches, right from my school days to professional cricket, for helping me polish my skills. A heartfelt thanks to the selectors who showed faith in me," added Jaffer, who is the highest run-getter in Ranji Trophy.
Meanwhile, following his retirement from cricket, Wasim Jaffer will join the Kings XI Punjab squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League as a batting coach. He will hope to share his brain with the fellow colleagues as Punjab continue their hunt for their first IPL trophy.