Mumbai: Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has announced his retirement “from all formats of the game” on the Christmas Even on Friday, December 24.
The former India offspinner said via a video message on Twitter that “in many ways, I had already retired”, but due to his commitments with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, the offie was forced to hold the announcement this far.
“There comes a time in your life when you must take some tough decisions and move ahead. I have been meaning to make this announcement for the last few years, but I was waiting for the right moment to share it with all of you: today, I am retiring from all formats of cricket,” the 41-year-old was quoted as saying in the video by ESPNCricinfo.
“In many ways, I had already retired as a cricketer, but hadn’t been able to make a formal announcement.
“I haven’t been an active cricketer for a while. But I had a commitment to Kolkata Knight Riders, and wanted to spend the (2021) IPL season with them. But during the season itself, I had made up my mind to retire.”
Harbhajan last played for India in March 2016, in a T20 International against the UAE in Dhaka in Asia Cup. He has 417 wickets in 103 Tests while in ODIs, has 269 wickets in the kitty in 236 outings.
All good things come to an end and today as I bid adieu to the game that has given me everything in life, I would like to thank everyone who made this 23-year-long journey beautiful and memorable.
My heartfelt thank you 🙏 Grateful .https://t.co/iD6WHU46MU— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 24, 2021
As Harbhajan Singh bids adieu to all forms of cricket, we wish him the very best. 🇮🇳🔝
Good luck for the future, @harbhajan_singh! 👏👏#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/ynF9Wq1pbK
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 24, 2021
