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.”
The development didn't go unnoticed by the huge world of social media, as Twitterati congratulated and appreciated Kaif for a substantially long career playing the game at the highest level.
13-07-02 a new era of Indian power cricket began.
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 13, 2018
13-07-18 the hero of that game retires.
Thanks @MohammadKaif for being a great friend and a loyal lover of this game which connects us all.
Wishing you all the happiness and success in life ahead.
Good luck.
Bhai shab ???? pic.twitter.com/UvQke0lYam
A great day to hang up your boots as the Indian won the historic NatWest series on this day. It was a pleasure for me and other team mates to play under your captaincy for Uttar Pradesh. Congratulations on a glittering career @MohammadKaif. pic.twitter.com/LnOXe4mjAV
— R P Singh (@rpsingh) July 13, 2018
Well done on ur career bhaisaab @MohammadKaif you were the one who changed the mind set of the fielding in Indian cricket.even though I would have liked u to stay slightly behind on d 30yard circle bT I knew u had d best intention;) Wish you all d luck for ur future endeavours
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 13, 2018
Many congratulations @MohammadKaif bhai on a stellar cricket career. You set the bar high with your professionalism and hard work. Wish you luck and happiness in your second innings! https://t.co/vCZaZW47Wc
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) July 13, 2018
Congratulations, @MohammadKaif on a career you can be proud of. Gave us many nice moments and will always remember the NatWest final of 2002. Go well, enjoy time with your lovely family,, and look forward to working together.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 13, 2018
Well done bhaisaab on a superb career..always enjoyed ur company on and off the field...wish u even better 2nd innings..@MohammadKaif
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) July 13, 2018
Well played, and all the best in your 2nd innings @MohammadKaif https://t.co/4DN8xxlxtp
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) July 13, 2018
@MohammadKaif Bhai we have shared such amazing memories together. You have been my brother, team player and my mentor. I’m sure you will achieve great heights in your career further. I wish you all the success ahead!!! Cheers brother to a new beginning! ???? https://t.co/I3LrosqmhY
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) July 13, 2018
