Monday , October 7 2024

Vidarbha opening batsman Faiz Fazal retires from professional cricket

New Delhi, 20 February (HS). Vidarbha's veteran opening batsman Faiz Fazal retired from professional cricket after the conclusion of the Ranji Trophy match against Haryana on Monday.

The 38-year-old retired as Vidarbha's leading run-scorer in both List A cricket and first-class cricket. Fazal was the captain of Vidarbha when they won the Ranji Trophy for the first time in their history in 2017–18. They managed to successfully defend the title again under his leadership the following season.

The left-hander got his chance to make his debut for the national team at the age of 30 when he was selected for the Zimbabwe tour in 2016 and the selectors opted to send a second-string squad. Fazal made his debut in the third ODI in Harare and scored an unbeaten half-century in India's impressive 10-wicket win. Incidentally, this is his only appearance for the senior team.

Fazal wrote on his Instagram page, “It has been an unforgettable journey, filled with fond memories that I will cherish forever. “Representing both the Indian cricket team and Vidarbha has been the greatest honor of my life, and wearing those cricket jerseys always fills me with immense pride.”