Ball in the left hand, the swift approach to the crease and that iconic jump before landing on the popping crease; these images seem to have ran out their expiry date on the international circuit, with Zaheer Khan apparently calling it quits from cricket.
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Zak has pulled out of the IPL 2018 auction but won’t be missing from action during the IPL, as he would be donning the commentator’s hat during the 2 month long cricket festival.
“He didn’t feel like being part of the IPL anymore. He has played a lot of cricket and seemed quite content with his achievements. He felt commentary would be a different experience for the IPL and that is why he has opted for it.” a source told mid-day.
The move comes as a huge surprise, as Zak had rejected the bowling consultant role with Team India, as he wanted to play the IPL for one more year.
But it looks like Zaheer has given up on playing the IPL, and is more fascinated with plying his trade from behind the microphone.
“He was working on regaining his fitness since the last few months. It was obvious that he had IPL-11 on mind. We knew he was training for that,” the source also said.
Zak’s iPL 10 was cut short due to a hamstring strain, and he managed to play just 11 matches for Delhi Daredevils(captained Delhi too).
Zaheer Khan fans would be devastated that they probably have already seen the last of India’s most prolific left arm seam bowler. On the bright side thought, they’ll still be able to see him in the commentary box, in what would be Zak’s second innings in cricket.
IPL auction
The IPL auction is set to take place on the 27th and 28th of January in Bengaluru with 1122 players having registered for the IPL 2018.
All franchises have already retained their respective players and will be strategising as to how and on whom they would want to use their RTM cards on
