Team India allrounder Irfan Pathan has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Saturday (December 4).
Irfan revealed his decision during a session at the Star Sports studio, bringing an end to his 15-year-old career as a pro.
“In domestic cricket, too, I have been part of Jammu and Kashmir cricket and after last season, I thought what’s the motivation to play any more?” Pathan said.
However, the 35-year-old veteran cricketer may still remain available for the overseas franchise-based leagues.
“I will keep contributing to Indian cricket, but it is always better if someone else takes my place in domestic cricket. There are lot of other things in store for me and I will keep focusing on them,” Pathan said while speaking about his future.
No one can forget about his hat-trick in the first over of the Karachi Test of 2006 for Team India and is the only cricketer to achieve this feat till now.
He was also a key part of the 'Men In Blue' squad which lifted the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in 2007 under the leadership of former skipper MS Dhoni.
Irfan is also the only Asian player to win Man of the Match award in a Test at Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA)
“Every time I visited Pakistan, I have returned with good memories. I first played there during the under-19 days and took nine wickets against Bangladesh — including a hat-trick — in an Asian under-19 tournament. Later, playing for the senior team, I performed really well,” he added.
“It has been a great journey. I played cricket with all my heart and soul. I am really proud of it and when I look back, I feel happy with my achievements. It’s been a great career,” the pacer said.
