India fast bowler Zaheer Khan calls time on international career
ONE OF INDIA'S best left-arm fast bowlers of his time, Zaheer Khan is set to retire from international cricket, calling time on an illustrious career that spanned 15 long years.
The 37-year old cricketer officially announced his retirement on Thursday. Zak, as he is fondly known, has played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is for Team India. The pacer finished his career with 311 Test wickets and is the fourth-highest wicket taker in Tests for India. Zaheer’s frequent injury concerns kept him out for the team for the last few years, possibly the reason why the cricketer called it quits.
Zaheer was instrumental in India’s 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup triumph, where he collected 21 wickets in the tournament. Ever since he first burst onto the international in the 2000 Champions Trophy, Zaheer has been India’s premier go-to bowler whenever the team was in trouble and has been the mainstay of the Indian bowling attack.
"The BCCI appreciates Zaheer Khan's outstanding service to Indian Cricket. He served Indian cricket with remarkable passion and commitment. Being a fast bowler in the Indian sub continent is challenging but he led the bowling attack with distinction and contributed significantly to the success of Indian cricket .I wish him all the best for the future," Shashank Manohar, BCCI president said in a statement on Thursday.
"Zaheer will go down as one of the finest fast bowler in the history of Indian cricket. He has been the leader of Indian fast bowlers in the last decade or so and of the best exponent of reverse swing in the country. He has been an outstanding role model on and off the field for Indian cricket. Zaheer has been of the key reasons for India’s success over the last fifteen years. I congratulate him on his wonderful career, " Anurag Thakur, BCCI secretary, said.
The news of his retirement first broke on Twitter, when IPL chairma Rajeev Shukla tweeted about Zak’s decision.
Zaheer khan to announce his retirement today My best wishes to him for post retirement carrier
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) October 15, 2015
Here's Zaheer announcing his retirement on his official Facebook page:
A New Beginning .... The toughest call in a cricketing career is when one has to walk away from the game itself. You...
Posted by Zaheer Khan on Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Tributes started pouring in for Zaheer Khan from ex-teammates, current Indian and world cricketers cricketers shortly after he announced his decision:
One of the coolest pace bowlers I know. He was a bowler who could 'out think' the batsman most of the times. Always up for a challenge (1/2)
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 15, 2015
I am sure he will do well as he begins a new chapter in his life. Wishing @ImZaheer all success in his retired life (2/2)
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 15, 2015
To a great fast bowler & an even greater person, I wish you luck in all future endeavours @ImZaheer bhai. You have inspired many like me.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 15, 2015
Well done buddy. Was a privilege to play against you. @ImZaheer all the best with your future endeavours https://t.co/tuX8YnMGBT
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) October 15, 2015
Congrats @ImZaheer on an outstanding career👏👏Was a pleasure playing with u.Will always cherish the gr8 time we had while playing for Ind☺👍
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 15, 2015
Wonderful to have played with you Zak @ImZaheer great bowler great skill! Best wishes for the future.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 15, 2015
Congratulations 4 great career Khan Saab @ImZaheer I'm sure there is lot in u 2 give back 2 Indian cricket in the future. #legend
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 15, 2015
