After 260 Matches & 19,410 Runs, Wasim Jaffer Announces Retirement From Cricket

Last week, Maria Sharapova announced her retirement from tennis and now another talented sportsperson is saying goodbye to professional cricket. Wasim Jaffer, a legend in the red-ball format of the game took to Twitter to share his official statement.

According to The Times of India, his first-class debut was in 1996-97 after which he went on to play 260 matches and accumulated 19,410 runs.

Most runs in Ranji Trophy ✅
Most capped player in Ranji Trophy ✅

We wish Wasim Jaffer well as he announces his retirement from all formats of the game.

LINK 👉 https://t.co/Ch1NIpKdzc pic.twitter.com/6LVOx1vGn8

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) March 7, 2020

In his career spanning 25 years, he has broken several records, reports News18. The 42-year-old is the highest run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy & Irani Trophy. His 40 Ranji centuries are the maximum any player has achieved. Also, he has won 10 titles in the format (eight with Mumbai and two with Vidarbha). Hindustan Times quoted him saying,

“A special thanks to all my coaches, right from my school days to professional cricket, for helping me polish my skills. A heartfelt thanks to the selectors who showed faith in me. My gratitude to all the captains I played under and all my colleagues from whom I learnt so much about the game and shared some lifelong memories. I would also like to thank all the support staff who were a constant pillar of support in my long journey.”

After 25 years of playing professional cricket, time has come to say goodbye. Thank you @BCCI @MumbaiCricAssoc, VCA, my teammates, media and fans. This is my official statement. pic.twitter.com/xP3wL4u70s

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 7, 2020

He added,

“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. As long as I stay involved with the game as this game has given me so much.”

People shared heartfelt messages praising his dedication and contribution to cricket.

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer announces his retirement from all forms of cricket.

●Most Ranji Matches – 156
●Most Runs in Ranji -12038
●Most Century – 40
●Most Fifties – 89
●Most Catches – 200

Legend Of Indian Domestic Matches. ❤️✅#WasimJaffer #ThankYouJaffer pic.twitter.com/CnuItKdsKD

— Aayush Rana (@aayushrana55) March 7, 2020

What a career! #WasimJaffer pic.twitter.com/4JbApnahCf

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) March 7, 2020

#WasimJaffer His retirement will leave a huge vacuum in domestic cricket. A great player; deserved more than he got but never complained. Best wishes for future life. pic.twitter.com/7najHSRn19

— Raj Mohan (@raj_aarem) March 7, 2020

The sheer joy of watching Wasim Jaffer play out fine bowling spells. The way he understood his limitations as a batsman always amazed me.
Sheer dedication and determination.

We should have seen a lot more of this champion in India whites .#WasimJaffer pic.twitter.com/OdPiOlSf5X

— Prashanth🏏📝 📊 (@ps_it_is) March 7, 2020

#WasimJaffer was a terror in the Ranji Trophies! No one could get him out! Somehow, for whatever reason, he couldn't replicate the same form for India.
But even more than his cricketing abilities, he was a fine gentleman with outstanding sporting spirit. Hope @BCCI uses him well.

— Ani (@Ani_Chakravarty) March 7, 2020

One of the finest cricketer @WasimJaffer14, Thankyou for entertain us, your class will be always remembered. Legend❤️ #WasimJaffer #ThankYouJaffer

— Farhan Ashfaq (@farhanqaafa) March 7, 2020

One of the most eye-pleasing artiste with the bat, A Colossus of Statistics, True ambassador of the Gentleman's game, @WasimJaffer14 hangs his boots. #MassiveRespect #WasimJaffer #Legendary

— Gautam Gavankar (@gautam_gavankar) March 7, 2020

Former India opener and domestic batting stalwart @WasimJaffer14 announces retirement from all forms of cricket. All the best champion! You will be dearly missed by Mumbai cricket… #WasimJaffer #BCCI #Cricket

— Tridib Baparnash ॐ (@TridibIANS) March 7, 2020

https://twitter.com/shibashankar1/status/1236195266329341952

Thank you, for all the wonderful memories of red-ball cricket. We wish you all the very best for your second innings.

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