India’s bowling all-rounder Irfan Pathan has announced his retirement from all forms of the game on January 4. Pathan scalped a total of 301 wickets in all the three forms of the game. The southpaw medium-pacer who was well known for swinging the ball both ways made his debut back in 2003 and played his last international match in Indian colors against South Africa in 2012.
Pathan’s culmination point in his career came when he picked a hat-trick in the first over in the 2006 Test match against arch-rivals Pakistan at Karachi. The southpaw pacer was also awarded the man of the match in the 2007 T20 World Cup. The left-arm pacer scalped three wickets and conceded only 16 runs in his four overs.
Pathan had an illustrious career.
The all-rounder came up with a fine performance in the 2008 Perth Test match as he took five wickets and scored 28 and 46 to help India register a memorable win against Australia.
“I am announcing retirement from all forms of cricket. I have been fortunate to share the dressing room with greats of the game like Ganguly, Dravid, and Laxman. I am calling time on my career,” Irfan Pathan said.
“I would like to thank my family for providing much-needed support. I would like to thank my fans. They have always hoped for my comeback. Their support has kept me going.”
On the other hand, Irfan Pathan added that he will always keep contributing to Indian cricket. However, Pathan said it would be better if someone else takes his role in the domestic circuit.
“I will keep contributing to Indian cricket, but it is always better if someone else takes my place in domestic cricket. There are a lot of other things in store for me and I will keep focusing on them,” Pathan told Star Sports on Saturday.
“In domestic cricket, too, I have been part of Jammu and Kashmir cricket and after last season, I thought what’s the motivation to play any more?”
Here is how Twitter reacted to Irfan Pathan’s retirement:
Congratulations @IrfanPathan on an excellent career. So many landmarks, so many highlights. Remember the wide eyed young man at the breakfast table in Australia growing to play a key role in so many memorable moments for India. Tab gend bolti thi ab zubaan bolegi! Mubarak.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 4, 2020
– MOM of 2007 T20 World Cup Final
– Took Hat-Trick in the first over of Test match against Pak
– (28 & 46 + 2/63 & 3/54) at Perth in 2008#ThankYouIrfanPathan #IrfanPathan— Akhil Gupta ? (@Guptastats92) January 4, 2020
Thank You @IrfanPathan For All Great Memories, Specially Hat-Trick vs Pakistan & WT20 Final Spell. Congratulations Irfan Bhai On Outstanding Career ? All The Best For 2nd Innings… #ThankYouIrfanPathan #SwingKing
— Rajesh Khilare (@Cricrajeshpk) January 4, 2020
Thank u Irfan Pathan for the memories especially the amazing spell of T20 World Cup 2007 where he won man of the match and also the sensational Hat Trick Against pak in Test Match of 2006. ?✌️#IrfanPathan pic.twitter.com/Yc8O8LiKXe
— Awarapan ?? (@KingSlayer_Rule) January 4, 2020
It was not just your contribution in the middle but also your conduct.. The way you carried yourself through the most adverse moments of life @IrfanPathan that makes you a champion. Many Congratulations on a glorious career #irfanpathan !! One filled with respect & resolve.
— Mikkhail Vaswani (@MikkhailVaswani) January 4, 2020
Was such a joy to see #IrfanPathan evolve from a aspiring 17yr old cricketer when I first saw him into a mature International Cricketer. You can be very proud of what u have achieved not only as a cricketer but also in mentoring young cricketers from J&K. A very happy 2nd innings pic.twitter.com/T63yF3G7z7
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 4, 2020
Super farewell to the only man who's claimed a hat-trick in the first over of a Test match! Here's wishing a smooth transition from the First Over Show to First Day First Show! #Yellove you always. #WhistlePodu ?? pic.twitter.com/oZhVMr1IKm
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 4, 2020
– Irfan Pathan was 1st Indian with a T20 4-wicket haul [4/27 for Middlesex, 2005]
– Only player with 9 wickets in any ODI (Youth/Men/Women) [9/16 vs BAN-U19, 2003]
– Only Irfan, Dilshan & Hafeez have opened batting & bowling in the same game in all INTL formats#ThankYouIrfan
— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) January 4, 2020
Dear @IrfanPathan, thank you for making my teenage life soo memorable, I can never forget the Hattrick moment against Pakistan… Stay happy always… Aur zindagi ki nayi innings ke liye dher saari shubhkamnayee…. #irfanpathan
— Rohit Jaiswal (@rohitjswl01) January 4, 2020
One of India's finest left arm swing bowlers of the modern era!
Thank you for everything, @IrfanPathan. Wishing you a great 2nd innings in the journey of life ??#IrfanPathan#ThisIsNewDelhi #DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/iE9qSFnIyq
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) January 4, 2020