Indian-born USA cricketer Jaskaran Malhotra announces retirement from international cricket
Indian-born USA cricketer Jaskaran Malhotra announced his retirement from international cricket on August 8. Born in Chandigarh, Jaskaran moved to the USA in 2014.
Being part of the USA cricket setup since 2018, the now-34-year-old debuted for them in both white-ball formats in 2019. Jaskaran finished with 429 runs in 18 ODIs and 267 runs in 17 T20Is with a combined one century and two half-centuries.
Taking to his social media handle, Jaskaran bid adieu to international cricket but added that he would continue to play franchise leagues.
"Four years ago, I made my international T20 debut for the USA in Dubai, with my dad proudly watching from the stands. Today I announce my retirement from international cricket. I'm grateful for the unforgettable memories, friendships and experiences I've had representing USA Cricket. I thank all the coaches, support staff, and teammates who have supported me along the way," posted Jaskaran.
He continued:
"While I'll continue to play in franchise leagues, my focus now shifts to giving back to the sport. I'm committed to helping young American cricketers achieve their dreams of playing for this great nation."
Jaskaran Malhotra was part of the USA team that finished in the top four of the 2019 ICC World Cricket League Division Two tournament to gain ODI status.
His shining moment on the international stage came when he smashed six sixes in an over in an ODI against Papua New Guinea, becoming only the second cricketer after Hershcelle Gibbs to achieve the feat in an ODI game.
Jaskaran also became the first USA batter to score an ODI century in that match, finishing unbeaten on 173 from 124 deliveries with 16 sixes.
Jaskaran Malhotra played in the inaugural MLC season last year
Jaskaran Malhotra was part of the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) squad in the inaugural Major League Cricket (MLC) tournament in 2023.
However, the right-handed batter could not live up to his billing, scoring only 48 runs at an average of under 10 in five outings. Jaskaran's sub-par season mirrored his side's as they finished at the bottom of the table with a lone win in five games. The USA batter did not feature in the recently concluded 2024 MLC season.
Despite primarily being a wicketkeeper, Jaskaran could bowl part-time leg-spin, evidenced by his two ODI and as many List-A wickets.
His final international game for the USA was an ODI against Namibia in September 2022.