SPORTS DESK: The man who shattered stumps of dozens of international batsmen with his fast bowling, Umar Gul, announced retirement from all formats in an emotional way.
With 427 international wickets to his name, the speedster announced to retire from all formats including tests, one-day internationals (ODIs), and T20 in a presser during which he broke down as he announced retirement from the game.
Gul took 163 wickets at an average of 34.06. He also claimed 179 wickets from 130 ODIs, besides 85 wickets from 60 T20Is.
Taking to Twitter after his last game, the right-arm pace said the decision has come with a “very heavy heart and after a lot of thinking”.
With a very heavy heart and after a lot of thinking, i have decided to bid farewell to all formats of cricket after this National T20 Cup. I have always played for Pakistan with all my heart and 100% of hardwork. Cricket is and will always be my love n passion 1/3
— Umar Gul (@mdk_gul) October 16, 2020
The former pacer said later in a tweet that he had decided to bid farewell to international cricket after deliberation.
“Cricket is and will always be my love and passion but all good things have to come to an end,” he added.
The 36-year-old played his last match for Pakistan back in 2016 and got out of the team due to a back injury.
but all good things have to come to an end. Praying that the future will hold much more for me. Secondly, i would like to thank @TheRealPCB and all the coaches and people who have been a part of my cricketing journey. Special thanks to media, my fans and followers 2/3
— Umar Gul (@mdk_gul) October 16, 2020
A teary-eyed Gul who was a key member of the team that won the T20 World Cup for Pakistan in 2009 in England, thanked his teammates and the Southern Punjab side for giving him “respect” in his last game.
He also thanked the PCB for “feeding him like a mother” throughout his career.