Joginder Sharma, who played a pivotal role in Team India's T20 World Cup triumph in 2007, on February 03 (Friday) announced retirement from all forms of cricket. Sharma announced his decision by a sharing a lengthy statement on Twitter.
“Today, with immense gratitude & humility, I announce my retirement from all forms of international & domestic cricket,” Sharma said in a statement.
"My journey from 2002-2017 has been the most wonderful years of my life for it was an honour representing India at the highest level of sport. I am grateful for the opportunities given to me by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Haryana Cricket Association, Chennai Super Kings and Haryana Government.
"To all my team-mates, coaches, mentors and support staff: It has been an absolute privilege to have played with you all, and, I thank you all for helping tum my dream into reality. To all cricket fans that have supported me through the ups & downs of international sport, I will forever cherish the moments I spent with you all and your support has always be a source of motivation for me.
"Lastly, I would like to thank my family & friends for their unconditional love and support throughout my career. They have been my backbones and without them, I would not have been able to achieve what I have today.
"I am excited to announce that I will be exploring new opportunities in the world of cricket & the business side of it, where I will also continue to participate in the sport that I love and challenge myself in new and different environment. I believe that this is the next step in my journey as a cricketer and I look forward to this new chapter in my life," he said.
Joginder will forever be remembered for the last over he bowled in the 2007 T20 World Cup final. The right-arm pacer defended 12 runs in the last over of the tournament and helped India clinch the inaugural T20 World Cup crown in South Africa. Joginder played four matches in the tournament and bagged as many wickets.
Joginder Sharma Cricket Career Highlights:
Joginder Sharma's Debut in ODI, T20I, T20
Debut in ODI - Bangladesh vs India at Chattogram - December 23, 2004
Debut in T20I - India vs England at Durban - September 19, 2007
Debut in T20 - Punjab vs Haryana at Delhi - April 03, 2007
Joginder Sharma's Last Match in ODI, T20I, T20
Last ODI Match - India vs West Indies at Cuttack - January 24, 2007
Last T20I Match - India vs Pakistan at Johannesburg - September 24, 2007
Last T20 Match - J + K vs Haryana at Nadaun - February 02, 2017
