Mohammad Kaif, on Friday, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket almost after twelve years he last played for the Indian Cricket Team. Kaifs announcement came on the day which marks the 16^th anniversary of India’s win over England in the NatWest Trophy 2002. During the final between India and England on July 13, 2002, Kaif had played a match-winning knock of 87 runs to snatch the win from England making India win the historic final.

The cricketer informed about his decision to retire to BCCI acting President CK Khanna and acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary in an email. Kaif wrote, I’m writing to you today to announce my retirement from all forms of first-class cricket. Kaif also took to Twitter to announce his retirement. In a two-page letter shared on Twitter, Kaif wrote, I am retiring today as it’s been 16 years since the historic NatWest Trophy win in which I was glad to play my part, and I’d like to remember that as I bow out. In the letter, Kaif wrote about his cricketing journey and thanked his teammates and team India’s millions of fans.

Mohammad Kaif played 13 tests and 125 ODIs for the Indian Cricket Team. He has also played 129 first-class games scoring over 7,000 runs with 15 centuries and 45-half centuries. He played for Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Banglore in different seasons of IPL. Kaif is considered as one of the fittest players and fantastic fielders to have played the game and will surely be always remembered for his love for the game!