Indian pacesetter Shanthakumar Sreesanth announced his retirement from all forms of domestic cricket on Wednesday. The 39-year-old fast bowler said he made the “right and honorable” decision and said it didn’t bring him luck, but he has no regrets about the call.
The senior pacer said he is open to playing franchise-based leagues around the world once the Board of Control for Cricket Tin India (BCCI) gives him the green light and becomes part of the coaching setup in the near future. He added that he had decided to retire from domestic cricket to make room for youth in the Kerala domestic setup.
Sreesanth contested 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20Is for India between 2005 and 2011. He was part of the 2007 T20 World Cup winning team under MS Dhoni and the 2011 50-over World Cup winning team.
Sreesanth open to a coaching role, positions in foreign leagues
“Thank you for supporting me, especially in my comeback to domestic cricket. I retire from first class cricket in all forms of domestic cricket. I look forward to maybe being part of a coaching setup to help the youngsters. If possible, play leagues around the world as soon as the BCCI has given me permission,” Sreesanth said in a video message, addressing his fans on Twitter.
“I’m perfectly fit but one of the reasons (for retiring) is the youngsters. I got the opportunity to play for my state and country when another personality retired. I am very confident that Kerala Cricket and Indian Cricket are in the right hands,” he added.
Sreesanth, who returned to the Ranji Trophy after a nine-year hiatus, last played competitive cricket when he represented Kerala in the premier national tournament against Meghalaya in Saurashtra in February 2022. Sreesanth also played Vijay Hazare Trophy for Kerala last year.
The World Cup-winning pacesetter had entered the Indian Premier League auction after his ban was lifted, but he was not shortlisted last year and failed to go under the hammer at the mega-auction IPL 2022 in early February.
Sreesanth took to social media to announce his decision with a series of posts on Wednesday.
“Today is a difficult day for me but it is also a day of reflection and gratitude. I play for the Ecc, Ernakulam District, various different league and tournament teams, Kerala State Cricket Association, BCCI, Warwickshire County Cricket Team, Indian Airlines Cricket Team and ICC (sic),” Sreesanth said.
For the next generation of cricketers… I have decided to retire from my top-flight cricket career. That decision is mine alone, and while I know it will not bring me happiness, it is the right and honorable action to take at this point in my life. I appreciated every moment.
— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) March 9, 2022
“Throughout my 25 year cricketing career I have always strived for success and won cricket matches while preparing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion and perseverance. It was an honor to represent my family,” he added.
“For the next generation of cricketers… I have made the decision to retire from my top-flight cricket career. That decision is mine alone, and while I know it will not bring me happiness, it is the right and honorable course of my life at this time. I cherished every moment.”
