Mohammad Kaif has announced his retirement from all forms of competitive cricket on Friday, July 13, almost 12 years after he last played Internationally for India. Kaif, well known for his athleticism in the field and handy lower order contributions, played13 Tests and 125 ODIs for India. 

He scored over 2,000 runs in ODI cricket and will always be remembered for his match-winning knock of 87 at the Lord’s during that ever memorable Natwest Trophy final in 2002. Domestically, Kaif played and captained Uttar Pradesh before featuring for Andhra Pradesh, Railways and Chattisgarh as a professional and amassed 7,581 runs across 129 first-class games. 

It his prowess in the first-class game, that gave his 17 Test caps for India. In which, he scored 2753 runs at an average of 32.01, including two hundreds and 17 half-centuries. 

He informed acting president CK Khanna and acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary about the development through an email, which stated, “I’m writing to you today to announce my retirement from all forms of first-class cricket, I am retiring today as it’s been 16 years since the historic NatWest Trophy win in which I was glad to play my part, and I’d like to remember that as I bow out, I am grateful for the opportunity to have worn the India cap, and to have gone on to play 125 ODIs and 13 Tests for India, and for several other moments.”

Kaif thanked everyone for their support in his substantial and long career playing his beloved sport through Twitter, where he left a note and posted a video for his admirers.