Faiz Fazal announced his retirement from professional cricket at the end of Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy match against Haryana. In an Instagram post, he spoke about his 21-year-old ‘unforgettable ride’.

Vidarbha veteran opener and former captain retires

The veteran opener will retire as the leading run-getter in both List A and first-class cricket for Vidarbha. Fazal was Vidarbha’s captain when they won the Ranji Trophy for the very first time in 2017-18. They successfully defended the title in the next season under his leadership as well.

However, in his only appearance for India that happened in his 30s, Fazal scored a half-century. He was called up for the Zimbabwe tour in 2016 as the selectors sent a second-string squad. In the third ODI in Harare Fazal debuted and remained unbeaten in India’s dominant 10-wicket win.

With just one day remaining in Vidarbha’s this year’s Ranji game, yesterday Faiz Fazal took to the social media. He wrote, “Tomorrow marks the end of an era as I step onto the Nagpur ground for the last time, where my journey in first-class cricket began 21 incredible years ago,”. He added, “It’s been an unforgettable ride, filled with cherished memories that I’ll hold dear forever.”

Fazal about his journey

Fazal played 137 first-class matches, 113 List A games, and 66 T20 matches. He led Vidarbha in 53 first-class games, 36 times in List-A matches, and 27 T20 matches. Speaking of his illustrated career, the domestic giant said,

“Representing both the Indian Cricket Team and Vidarbha has been the greatest honor of my life, and donning those cricket jerseys has always filled me with immense pride. Farewell to my beloved Number 24 jersey – you’ll be deeply missed.”

Fazal also spoke about his future plans, “As one chapter closes, another awaits, and while bidding adieu to my professional cricket career fills me with mixed emotions, I’m eagerly looking forward to embracing the new adventures that lie ahead.”