Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan on Friday announced his retirement
from all forms of cricket.

Pathan published a statement on his Twitter handle regarding his decision.

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“I officially announce retirement from all forms of the game. I thank my family, friends, fans, teams, coaches and the whole country wholeheartedly for all the support and love. I am sure you will continue to encourage me in future as well”, Pathan said in his statement.

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The batsman further said that the first day he wore the Indian jersey indicated bearing the expectations of everyone around him, highlighting winning two world cups for India and holding Sachin Tendulkar in his shoulders to be ‘some of the best moments’ of his career.

“Nothing can keep me away from cricket and my passion for the sport will remain the same. I will continue to entertain everyone even in the future”, the 38-year-old said.

Rising out of Baroda, Gujarat, Yusuf Pathan made a name for himself as one of the hardest hitters of the ball, representing India in the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa held in 2007 as well as the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011.

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Pathan holds the record for one of quickest centuries in the history of the sport, that too in three different cricketing formats: scoring 100 runs off just 37 balls in IPL, off 51 balls against Central Zone in First Class cricket in 2008, and in List A cricket where he scored a ton against Maharashtra in 40 balls,

The former Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders big-hitter thanked Shane Warne, Jacob Martin and MS Dhoni for playing the role of mentor in different phases of his career, alongside cricketing bodies BCCI and BCA for giving him an opportunity to play.