Injamam announces his retirement

self_shattered · #1 (**permalink**) 10-06-2007, 12:58 AM

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.