Former India batter Suresh Raina stunned everyone on September 6, 2022, as he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, including the IPL.
As one of the longest-serving Indian cricketers in the IPL, Raina will no longer be seen in action in the world’s biggest T20 league.
Now, Raina is expected to play in different T20 leagues around the world. He will be soon seen in action in the World Road Safety Series, and he is likely to take the offer from South Africa’s SA20 and the UAE’s ILT20.
Raina was recently seen training in a CSK jersey, leaving fans thinking that he would return to the franchise for the IPL 2023, due to which his sudden decision has left many surprised.
Notably, CSK did not retain Raina before the IPL 2022 mega auction despite he represented the franchise for more than a decade, nor was he picked up by any team in the auction, resulting in him doing commentary in the last season.
Raina wrote on Twitter: “It has been an absolute honor to represent my country & state UP. I would like to announce my retirement from all formats of Cricket. I would like to thank @BCCI, @UPCACricket, @ChennaiIPL, @ShuklaRajiv sir & all my fans for their support and unwavering faith in my abilities ????????.”
Speaking in an interview with Dainik Jagran, Raina said: “I want to continue playing cricket for two or three years. There are some exciting youngsters who are coming through the ranks of Uttar Pradesh cricket. I have already taken my No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA). I have informed BCCI secretary Jay Shah and vice-president Rajiv Shukla about my decision. I will play in the Road Safety Series. T20 franchises from South Africa, Sri Lanka, and UAE have contacted me but I am yet to take any decision.”
Here’s how fans reacted to Suresh Raina’s decision –
