Parvinder Awana announces retirement from cricket
Former KXIP fast-bowler Parvinder Awana has announced his decision to call it day from all forms of cricket two days ahead of his 32nd birthday via Twitter. Awana played two T20I for the Indian senior team and was also part of Delhi’s bowling attack over the past two decades.
Awana made his first-class debut back in 2007 when he took to the pitch for the Delhi cricket team against Himachal Pradesh. The lad from Noida played five games that season and picked up 12 wickets along the way. However, he impressed next season for the north Indian side as he picked up 28 wickets from 7 matches at an average of just 24. He continued his brilliant bowling in the limited-overs format too as he managed to get figures of 6/49 against Central Zone in the only match he played in the Deodhar Trophy tournament before he penned a deal with Kings XI Punjab for the 2012 edition of the IPL.
However, the 31-year old pacer recently took to popular social media site Twitter to announce his retirement from all formats of the game after a tough season that he endured with the Delhi team last year. Awana formed the core of the Delhi bowling attack for most of the past two decades while he also went on to represent the senior Indian cricket team on two occasions.
"I was dropped from the Delhi team last season. Even if I forced myself back into the team for an odd game here and there, it wouldn't have served any purpose. It's better to have young bowlers getting more games rather than me trying to play to get an IPL contract. As it is the young boys did well last season. They should play with a clear mind. I have also gone through that phase when you
Awana had made the headlines after he won a bowling speedster competition in which Ashok Dinda finished as the runner-up in 2004. After he made his debut in 2007, he picked up up a hat-trick in his second match against Maharashtra.
Last season, he remained Delhi’s prime pacer as Ashish Nehra and Ishant Sharma were busy with the senior Indian team. Awana was renowned for bowling with a big heart on docile pitches, as he bagged 191 wickets in 62 first-class matches at an impressive average of 29.23. His best period with the ball came from 2011-2014 when he remained one of the nation’s top wicket-takers while he also flourished for Kings XI Punjab.
There comes a time when all good things come to an end. I would like to thank everyone who have been part of my cricketing journey and supported me at all times. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/wQf9U41lx8
— Parvinder Awana (@ParvinderAwana) 17 July 2018