By: Saryu Sharma
9.6.2022
Genre: Sports
Keywords: retirement, international cricket.
Mithali Raj, one of the greatest female cricketers to have played the game, on Wednesday announced retirement from all forms of international cricket, having made a significant contribution in popularising the women’s game during a 23 year long career.
The trailblazer ended her glorious career with a record 7805 runs from 232 ODI’s, the most in the format.
With an overall tally of 10868 runs, she is also the leading run getter in women’s cricket across formats.
Her wonderful career;
The 39 year old featured in 89 T20 Internationals and even though she got to play only 12 tests in her long career, she managed to score a double hundred and remains the only woman cricketer from India to do so in the longer format.
She had retired from the T20 format in 2019 and her decision to stop playing all formats was expected after India’s underwhelming ODI World Cup campaign in March. She was the captain of the team in the ICC mega event.
“I set out as a little girl on the journey to wear the zinnia blues as representing your country is the highest honour. The journey was full of highs and some lows.” Mithali wrote in a statement posted on Twitter.
“Made her debut in 1999”
When she made her India debut back in 1999, women’s cricket was a neglected sport but now it has become a career choice with millions of girls aspiring to be like her.
“Each time I stepped on the field, I gave my very best with the intent to help India win. I will always cherish the opportunity given to me represent the tricolor.” She further wrote in the statement.
“I feel now is the perfect time to call curtains on my playing career as the team is in the capable hands of some very talented young player’s and the future of Indian Cricket is bright.”
Conclusion:
Mithali Raj ends by saying” Each event taught me something unique and the last 23 years have been the most fulfilling, challenging and enjoyable years of my life. Like all journeys, this one too must come to an end. Today is the day I retire from all forms of International Cricket:.”
