Indian medium fast bowler Praveen Kumar has announced his retirement from cricket on October 20. He made the declaration via a tweet in which along with the news he also thanked the BCCI and Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association for supporting him and giving him the opportunity to play for India.
Kumar wrote in his tweet: 'its been a great jounery. Its been a great life. With a heavy heart I want to say gud bye to my 1st love #CricketMeriJaan But the test cap no 268 nd ODI 170 will be mine till indian cricket era will continue... Thankyou @BCCI nd @UPCACricket for helping me to live up my dream. (sic)'
Having made his debut against Pakistan in 2007 in an ODI, Kumar slowly emerged as one of the most potent swing bowlers of the country. After playing the shorter formats for about four years, he was also selected in the Test team which even though being shortlived laid bare his potential. In a total of 6 Tests, he bagged 27 wickets while playing all of them outside India.
While talking to The Indian Express on his retirement, the Meerut-born cricketer said: 'I don't have any regrets. I played with my heart and bowled with it too. A lot of bowlers are coming up the ranks in UP and I don't want to affect their progress by continuing to play. It's important to think about the future of other players as well. My time is up and I have accepted it readily. I am happy and thank the almighty for giving me the opportunity to represent my country at the highest level."
