Former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan on Friday announced his decision to retire from all formats of cricket, saying the time has come “to put a full stop to this innings of my life”.
Yusuf, who was part of the Indian team that won the 2007 ICC T20I World Cup and 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, thanked his family, friends, fans, team and coaches for their support in a statement which was posted on his social media.
“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 the game. I thank my family, friends, fans , teams, coaches and the whole country wholeheartedly for all the support and love,” he said in the statement.
“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 the IPL trophy twice,” he further said.
Yusuf had won the Indian Premier League twice with Kolkata Knight Riders, in 2021 and 2014, and once with Rajasthan Royals in 2008.
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
He further thanked his younger brother and former India cricketer Irfan Pathan for backing him throughout his career.
“I would also like to 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.
“Nothing can keep me away from cricket and my passion for the sport will remain the same. I will continue to entertain everyone even in future,” he concluded.
Yusuf made his international debut in 2007 and has represented India in 57 ODIs and 22 T20Is. He has scored 810 runs in the 50-over format and 236 runs in the shortest format for India. He has picked up 46 wickets in limited-overs international cricket.
He last played for India in an ODI against South Africa at Johannesburg in March 2012.
