'It is time to move on' - Wasim Jaffer announces retirement from all forms of cricket

42-year-old Wasim Jaffer has bid adieu to all forms of cricket after a prolonged international and domestic career spanning over two decades. The right-hander donned the Indian jersey along with plying his trade for Mumbai and Vidarbha.

Jaffer has had an illustrious first-class career which reflects through his impressive stats. After breaking into the Mumbai team in the 1996/97 season, Jaffer represented the side in 260 matches and gathered 19410 first-class runs at an impressive average of 50.67. He also holds the record for amassing most runs in the Ranji Trophy– India’s premier first-class tournament. Jaffer also has 57 hundreds and 91 half-centuries in first-class cricket under his belt.

After making his national debut in 2000, the top-order batsman went on to represent India in 31 Tests and 2 One-day Internationals. While donning the whites for India, Jaffer amassed 1994 runs at an average of 34.10 including five tons and 11 half-centuries. He was last seen playing for Vidarbha where he smashed a brilliant 57-run knock against Kerala at Nagpur.

Jaffer sent a statement to the media on Saturday, conveying his decision to retire from all forms of cricket. From his family, coaches, teams and colleagues– the right-hander expressed gratitude to all the people who have played a pivotal role in shaping his career.

Wasim Jaffer boasts an exemplary record in First-class cricket

“My gratitude to all the captains I played under and all my colleagues from whom I learnt so much about the game and shared some lifelong memories. I would also like to thank all the support staff who were a constant pillar of support in my long journey,” said Jaffer in his statement as quoted by Scroll.in

“Thank you to the BCCI, Mumbai Cricket Association and Vidarbha Cricket Association for giving me the opportunity to represent them,” he added.

Jaffer was also grateful to share the dressing room along with many Indian stalwarts. Along with Sachin Tendulkar– whom he considers his role model, Jaffer felt honoured to have represented India along with the likes of Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman and Kumble.

“I am honoured to have shared the dressing room with the likes of Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, and MS Dhoni to name a few,” expressed Jaffer.

“After all these years in cricket, it is time to move on. But just like the red ball format which is very dear to me, it’s the end of only the first innings. I am looking forward to the second innings in any capacity, be it in coaching, commentary etc,” concluded Jaffer.