Inzamam to retire after Lahore Test by AFP

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Player:	Inzamam-ul-Haq
Event:	South Africa in Pakistan 2007/08

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DateLine: 5th October 2007

 

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq Friday officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, saying next week's Lahore Test against South Africa will be his last.

 

The 37-year-old batsman revealed his decision at a press conference with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Nasim Ashraf at the National Stadium in Karachi, where Pakistan were playing South Africa.

 

"I have told the selectors of my availability for the Lahore Test, which will be my last. I feel this is the right time as the youngsters have played well and (are) ready to take seniors' place," Inzamam said in the press conference.

 

The second Test starts in Lahore from Monday -- dubbed "Inzamam's Test" by the PCB.

 

"It is a tough decision but it is the best for me and my country," said Inzamam, who made himself unavailable for the first Test here, won Friday by South Africa.

 

"I wanted to play for another year and a half but I realised that there will be a gap between me and the youngsters and they may feel pressure of playing with me so I felt that this is the right time to retire," he said.

 

"You can't play for your whole life and such a time comes in every player's life. I am thankful to PCB for providing me a chance to retire before my home fans, which would be ideal and one of my wishes."

 

The burly batsman from Multan needs another 20 runs to pass Javed Miandad's Pakistan record of 8,832 Test runs made in 124 Tests.

 

Since making his Test debut against England in 1992, Inzamam has so far played 119 Tests and scored a Pakistan record of 25 Test centuries -- 17 of which have come in Pakistan victories.

 

But Inzamam, who led Pakistan in 31 Tests, winning 11 and losing 11, said Miandad's record is not important to him.

 

"Had it been a world record I would have been happy but since it's a Pakistani record and held by someone from whom I learnt a lot, honestly speaking it won't be important," said Inzamam.

 

"I am not retiring under any pressure. It is simply that I have no motivation to play," said Inzamam, who also played three first-class matches for Yorkshire county to win a place in Pakistan's Test team.

 

Inzamam termed Pakistan's World Cup win in 1992 as one of the highlights of his time in the game.

 

"It is tough to pick a few golden moments in a 119-Test career but winning the World Cup in 1992 undoubtedly is one of the most memorable," said Inzamam, who as a 22-year-old was a star of Pakistan's triumph.

 

He made a 37-ball 60 in the semi-final against New Zealand and another rapid 37 in the final against England.

 

Inzamam retired from one-day cricket and quit the captaincy following Pakistan's first round exit from the World Cup held in the West Indies earlier this year -- something he described as his most bitter moment.

 

"I wanted to win the World Cup as I was the captain but it ended in sheer frustration," said Inzamam of Pakistan's failed campaign, during which their coach Bob Woolmer also died.

 

Inzamam was also embroiled in a major controversy in August last year when Pakistan protested over ball-tampering charges in the Oval Test against England.

 

Pakistan refused to take the field after tea on the fourth day, after which the Test was awarded to England on forfeit.

 

Inzamam was later cleared of tampering but was handed a ban of four one-day internationals.

 

"I am satisfied and happy with my career and achieved a lot of things. I thank my fans and countrymen for their support and will always remember them."

 

Inzamam's tally in 378 limited overs matches stands at 11,739 -- a Pakistan record.

 

Ashraf denied reports Inzamam had retired after a deal with the PCB.

 

"I am very sad over reports that Inzamam and PCB have struck a deal for his retirement and we are going to pay him 10 million rupees (150,000 dollars)," Ashraf said.

 

"This is baseless and one should respect his stature and contribution for Pakistan," said Ashraf.

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)