Zaheer Khan calls time on his international career
Zaheer Khan announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday to conclude an illustrious career that spanned 14 years and saw him finish as the fourth highest Indian wicket-taker across all formats with 610 wickets, and the second highest Indian seamer (311 wickets) in Test cricket after Kapil Dev (434).
“I bid adieu to my career in international cricket. I look forward to signing off with IPL 9,” he posted on his official Twitter handle.
The 37-year-old Zaheer’s final international appearance came against New Zealand in Wellington in February last year, before a series of injuries dogged him, although he figured in seven matches in the 2015 Indian Premier League. His last limited-overs international appearance came in 2012.
“As I was training for the upcoming season, it dawned on me that my shoulder may not last the rigours of bowling nearly 18 overs a day, and that’s when I knew it was time," Zaheer said in a statement.
“With immediate effect I bid adieu to my career in international cricket. I look forward to signing off my last season in domestic cricket at the conclusion of the Indian Premier League season 9,” the statement further said.
The Maharashtra-born speedster played in 92 Tests, 200 One-Day Internationals and 17 Twenty20 Internationals, and was a member of India’s successful 50-over World Cup campaign in 2011 in which he took 21 wickets.
“The toughest call in a cricketing career is when one has to walk away from the game itself. You almost will yourself and want to push that few, extra miles, but then the body, after nearly two decades, decides not to respond,” Zaheer said.
“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.”
Zaheer is currently contracted with Delhi Daredevils in the IPL.
“'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.
I bid adieu to my career in international cricket. I look forward to signing off with IPL 9. #ZaksNewBeginning pic.twitter.com/FLpaokbLy1
— zaheer khan (@ImZaheer) October 15, 2015
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