New Delhi, March 9 : India pacer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth on Wednesday announced his retirement from all forms of the game. The 39-year-old was a part of India’s victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup took place in South Africa in 2007, where he grabbed a title-winning catch off Misbah-ul-Haq at the edge of the circle. He claimed six wickets in the tournament. He was also part of the 2011 World Cup-winning Indian team in which he played two games including the final against Sri Lanka held at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on April 2. Taking to Twitter, the right-arm pacer said: “Today is a difficult day for me, but it is also a day of reflection and gratitude. Playing for Ecc, Ernakulam district,varies diff. League and tournament teams, Kerala state cricket association,Bcci, Warwickshire county cricket team, Indian airlines cricket team, BCCI and ICC had been a tremendous honour.” “During my 25 years career as a cricket player, I have always pursued success and winning cricket games, while preparing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion and perseverance. It has been an honor to represent my family.” “It has been an honor to represent my family, my teammates and the people of India. And everyone who loves the game. With much sadness but without regret, I say this with a heavy heart: I am retiring from the Indian domestic (first class and all formats) cricket,” Kerala born cricketer said in another tweet. “For the next generation of cricketers. I have chosen to end my first class cricket career. This decision is mine alone, and although I know this will not bring me happiness, it is the right and honorable action to take at this time in my life. I ve cherished every moment,” he wrote. Sreesanth played his last first-class game for his state against Meghalaya in the 2021-22 edition of the Ranji Trophy, where he picked 2 wickets in the two innings. He made his international debut against Sri Lanka in 2005 in one-day at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. Sreesanth took 87 Test wickets with an average of 37.59. In ODIs, he has 75 wickets at an economy of 6.05. He played 10 T20Is and has 7 wickets to his name. In 2013, the 39-year-old cricketer was accused of being involved in spot-fixing in an IPL match which led to a life-time ban. He challenged the decision in the Supreme Court, asked the BCCI to decrease his ban. Subsequently, his sentence was reduced to a seven-year suspension which ended in September 2020. After which, he played for Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2021. BAV GK
