Pakistan and Sussex leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has retired from county cricket because of an ongoing knee injury.

Mushtaq has spent the last six years with Sussex, helping Live text - Uefa Cup ...
Jailed bomb plotters lose appeal ... them to three County Championships, the C&G Trophy and the Totesport Division Two title.

The 38-year-old, the leading wicket taker in the County Championship for the past five years, said: "This is a very hard decision for me to make.

"My love, my feelings and my heart will always be with Sussex."

During his county career, Mushtaq took 598 wickets, bowling more than 26,000 overs, but feels time and injuries have now caught up with him.

"I feel that I could possible play one more year but, out of respect, I would only do that if I felt 100%.

"I am going to miss playing for the club greatly. I am truly honoured to have spent six wonderful years here."

He added: "There are not enough words to express my gratitude to the club, but I would like to specially thank Peter Moores, Mark Robinson, Chris Adams, all my team-mates, all the fans and everyone who is part of this magnificent family for all the opportunities and memories that they have provided me with.

"If I have hurt anyone in my time, I never meant it and would like to apologise, as there is no shame in apologising to my family."

Sussex captain Chris Adams added: “Mushtaq’s legacy at the club is that he leaves us statistically, romantically and emotionally the best player to ever pull on a Sussex shirt.

"In view of the impact he's made, it's difficult to think of another cricketer who has achieved or done more for one county.

"His legacy extends beyond the playing arena, as I'm sure all that have been graced by his presence will agree. He is simply a great man."

(BBC)

<< Back