Irfan Pathan announces retirement from all forms of cricket

All-rounder Irfan Pathan has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Pathan last represented India in 2012. The left-arm pacer played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20Is for India picking up 301 international wickets.

In a statement, Pathan expressed his pride in representing the nation and sharing the dressing room with some of the biggest names in the history of Indian cricket. The statement read:

“I am announcing retirement from all forms of cricket. I have been fortunate to share the dressing room with greats of the game like Ganguly, Dravid, and Laxman. I am calling time on my career. I would like to thank my family for providing much-needed support. I would like to thank my fans. They have always hoped for my comeback. Their support has kept me going.”

Test hat-trick ✅
T20I World Championship triumph ✅
Over 300 wickets in international cricket ✅

We wish @IrfanPathan well as he retires from all forms of cricket. pic.twitter.com/tkhwt2YxWc

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 4, 2020

A meteoric rise through the ranks

Pathan made his Test debut as a 19-year old against Australia in Adelaide. He then quickly rose up through the ranks with his ability to swing the ball both ways. He also became only the second Indian to pick a hat-trick in Test cricket, with his deadly spell against Pakistan in Karachi. The hat-trick included the scalps of Salman Butt, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf.

Pathan then developed as an all-rounder with his batting skills growing by leaps and bounds. This led to his promotion up the order, with Pathan also batting at No.3 on a few occasions.

Pathan though could not keep up the consistency, witnessing a rapid drop in pace and his ability to move the ball. He then started to greatly rely on cutters to compensate for his lack of pace. He last played a Test match in 2008 and made his final appearances in limited-overs cricket in 2012.

Pathan also played 103 matches in the IPL, representing 5 different franchises. He picked up 80 wickets and scored 1139 runs. He is currently keeping himself busy with a career in commentary and as an analyst in broadcasting.