His body ravaged by injuries, Zaheer Khan, one of India’s greatest fast
bowlers, today bid adieu to international cricket, admitting that he
could no longer handle the rigours of the game.
“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 an elaborate 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,” he
said.
The 37-year-old left-arm pacer, who has played 92 Test matches, 200 ODIs
and 17 T20 Internationals has been in and out of the team in the last
three to four years due to recurrent injuries which a took a toll on his
body.
Zaheer, who is is contracted with Delhi Daredevils in the IPL, will end
his doemstic career next year with the event’s ninth edition.
In 92 Test matches, Zaheer has taken 311 wickets and is fourth highest
wicket-taker in longer version amongst Indians after Anil Kumble (619),
Kapil Dev (434) and Harbhajan Singh (417).He picked 282 wickets in 200
ODIs he played besides 17 scalps from as many Twenty20s.
He played a major role in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph with 21 wickets in the tournament.
“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 in the statement.
Zaheer said being part of the 2011 World Cup winning team was the most cherished moment of his career.
“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,” he said.
The affable bowler said he would try and give back to the game although he hasn’t yet decided how.
” ‘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.
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