Mohammad Kaif retires from all forms of competitive cricket

Kaif played 13 tests and 125 ODIs for India.

Mohammad Kaif has announced his retirement from all forms of competitive cricket today. He played his last professional match for India 12 years ago. He was popularly known for his incredible fielding skills and athleticism, and is widely cherished for his match-winning innings in the Natwest Series final of 2002.

The Indian batsman played 13 test matches and 125 ODIs for India. After a series of poor performances, he was finally dropped from the team in 2006. He continued to play in Ranji Trophy, and also made IPL appearances for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab.

The 37-year old played a major of his first-class career for Uttar Pradesh, and even captained the side for many years. He has also represented Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, and had English county stints with Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Kaif intimated his decision to retire to CK Khanna and Amitabh Choudhary, the acting members of BCCI.

“I’m writing to you today to announce my retirement from all forms of first-class cricket. I am retiring today as it’s been 16 years since the historic NatWest Trophy win in which I was glad to play my part, and I’d like to remember that as I bow out.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have worn the India cap, and to have gone on to play 125 ODIs and 13 Tests for India, and for several other moments,” wrote Kaif.

The former Indian batsman also took to Twitter to publicly announce his retirement.

When I started playing Cricket,the dream was to play in the India Cap one day.Have been very fortunate to step on to the field & represent my country on 190 days of my life. Today is an apt day for me to announce my retirement from all competetive Cricket. Thank you everyone 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/HzKZDWgXBo

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 13, 2018

Mohammad Kaif was the part of the Indian team which reached the World Cup final in 2003 in South Africa. India lost to Australia in the final.

He, alongside Yuvraj Singh, took India to a stunning victory against England in the Natwest Series final of 2002. Yuvraj and Kaif were also the members of the 2000 U-19 World Cup winning squad.