Former Indian all-rounder Yusuf Pathan has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Yusuf was a part of two-World Cup-winning teams in 2007 and 2011 under the leadership of MS Dhoni. Having made his ODI debut in 2008, he played 57 ODIs and 22 T20Is for India. He also shared the dressing room with his younger brother Irfan Pathan and played a few matches together as well.
He took to Twitter to announce his international retirement and thank his fans as well. “I thank my family, friends, fans, teams, coaches and the whole country wholeheartedly for all the support and love. #retirement,” wrote Pathan.
Yusuf Pathan Announces International Retirement
I thank my family, friends, fans, teams, coaches and the whole country wholeheartedly for all the support and love. #retirement pic.twitter.com/usOzxer9CE
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) February 26, 2021
Also Read: Vinay Kumar Announces Retirement From All Forms Of Cricket
“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 said in a statement.
“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 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,” he added.
“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 IPL trophy twice. I would also like 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,” he further wrote.
Apart from his credentials as an international cricketer, he was one of the most sought out players in the IPL. He won the first edition of the IPL with Rajasthan Royals in 2008. Having joined KKR in 2011, he won two titles with the franchise as well in 2012 and 2014. Yusuf played 57 ODIs and 22 T20Is for the country, accumulating 810 runs and 236 runs respectively. He also bowled off-spin and took 46 international wickets.
Also Read: Predicted Playing XI of KKR in IPL 2021
