Former India opener and a domestic giant Wasim Jaffer has announced his retirement from all forms of the game on Saturday (March 7). Jaffer, who has had a stellar domestic career, retires as the highest run-scorer in the history of Ranji Trophy, with more than 12000 runs, reports Cricbuzz.
The 42-year-old kickstarted his first-class career in style by cracking a triple ton in just his second game and his rise eventually saw him receive a Test cap in 2000 at home against South Africa. Even though he had a disappointing debut, registering single-digit scores in both the innings, he cemented his spot at the top of the order six years later when he made 81, before following it up with a century in the second innings against England in Nagpur. Quite incredibly, despite being at the twilight of his career, Jaffer became the first batsman last year to accumulate more than 1000 runs in a single Ranji season for the second time, as he was a part of a Vidarbha side that won back-to-back Ranji titles. He made a fifty against Kerala in his final first-class appearance last month.
"Thank you to the BCCI, Mumbai Cricket Association and Vidarbha Cricket Association for giving me the opportunity to represent them," Jaffer said in a statement. "Among moments I will cherish the most is getting my India Test cap, scoring 202 vs Pakistan, 212 vs West Indies and winning Test series in West Indies and England 2006-07.
I am honoured to have shared the dressing room with the likes of Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag and MS Dhoni to name a few.
"My father wanted one of his sons to represent India and I feel proud to have fulfilled his dream. After all these years in cricket, it is time to move on. But just like the red ball format which is very dear to me, it's the end of only the first innings. I am looking forward to the second innings in any capacity, be it in coaching, commentary etc."
