Munaf Patel has decided to call it quits! After playing cricket (in various formats) for India for over 15 years, the fast bowler has announced his retirement, on Friday, from all forms of cricket, as per media reports. When he was selected in the Indian national team, Munaf Patel was often regarded as one the fastest Indian bowlers during that time.

Speaking on his retirement to The Indian Express, “There is no regret. After all the cricketers I played with, have retired. Only Dhoni is left! Baki sab done ho chuke hain. So, there is no sadness as such. (Every player who I have played with, their time is up. There had been sadness only if fellow cricketers were playing and I was the only one who had quit!).

Munaf Patel said that he discussed it (about the retirement) with his close friend Ismail bhai of Matadar Cricket Club. Talking about it Munaf noted, “There is no special reason. I am ageing and the fitness is not the same. Youngsters are waiting in line, and it will not look nice if I keep hanging on. The main thing is that there is no motivation left.”

He further added, “Had it not been cricket; I would have been a labourer in a company in Africa. Most of the Gujaratis from this region, go there only.” Speaking about the highs in his career, Munaf said, “I was part of World Cup winning team in 2011; there can’t be a greater high than that.”

He said that he is looking to pursue a career in the context of the game of cricket only. He said, “I am not able to leave the game behind today too as I do not know anything else. I only understand cricket.”

The 35-year old fast bowler will be featuring in the upcoming edition of T10 League, which will be held in Dubai. Munaf Patel was India’s third-highest wicket taker in ICC World Cup 2011 campaign behind Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj Singh with 11 scalps.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 10, 2018 09:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).