Zaheer Khan to announce retirement from international cricket today
Zaheer Khan, one of India’s premier fast bowlers in history, will announce his retirement from international cricket later today, Zee News reports. Senior BCCI official Rajeev Shukla confirmed the development on his official Twitter account but urged the speedster to continue playing in the IPL.
Zaheer, who turned 37 on October 7, has played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20s, was one of India’s greatest match-winners with the ball, but his career has been one which has blighted by a number of long spells on the sidelines due to injury troubles.
With his last appearance for the national team coming more than 18 months ago, the Maharashtra-born cricketer has decided to call time on his international career. But if reports are to be believed, Zaheer will continue his association with the Delhi Daredevils franchise in the Indian Premier League, where he is serving as a player-cum-bowling-coach.
Zaheer’s most impressive performances for the Men in Blue came during the 2003 World Cup where he picked up 18 wickets as India progressed to the finals only to be undone by the mighty Australians. However, he went one better in the 2011 World Cup picking up 21 wickets in just 9 matches, thus playing a crucial role in India’s successful campaign.
He also played a stellar role in India’s 1-0 Test series triumph in England in 2007, picking up 18 wickets in three matches. His impressive run of form throughout the year was rewarded with him being named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year title in 2008.