Bengal right-arm pacer Shib Sankar Paul announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. After making debut for Bengal in 2000/01, Shib Paul played 61 first-class matches, 61 List A matches and 8 T20 matches where he picked up 220, 86 and 12 wickets respectively.
After his team Kalighat Club won the P Sen Invitational Trophy at Eden Gardens, Paul announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. In the final of P Sen Invitational Trophy, Kalighat beat Mohun Bagan at Eden Gardens.
During the farewell, Paul said, “All these years, the only thing I have known is cricket. The game has been an integral part of my life. I am happy to have played for Bengal all these years and am grateful for all the support that I received from my coaches, teammates, and the CAB.” CAB president Sourav Ganguly was present at Paul’s farewell.
Paul was an important member of Bengal’s Ranji team during 2005/06, where Bengal finished as a runner-up after losing in the final against Uttar Pradesh. Paul took 36 wickets in that Ranji season.
Paul was a regular player in the Indian A side. Though Paul never played for India in the international cricket, he was selected in the Indian Test squad twice. First time Paul was selected in the Indian squad for the 4th Test between India and Australia at Mumbai in October 2004 and then he was also selected for the 2-Test series during India’s tour of Bangladesh in December 2004, but Paul was not selected in playing XI for both occasions.
Paul played his last first-class match in 2014, while he played his last List A match in 2008 and last T20 match in 2007.
Paul revealed his best moments of his cricketing career as he said, “Sharing the dressing room with Dadi (Sourav Ganguly), Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar will remain the most cherished moment of my playing career.”
On the other hand, Paul also said his most memorable dismissal of his entire career. Paul said, “I took the wicket of England opener Marcus Trescothick in 2006. He just left the delivery and the ball went on to hit the off-stump.”
When the 34-years old was asked about his plans after retirement from cricket, Paul said, “I want to want to go into coaching. I am also planning to open an academy for pacers.”