In a heartfelt announcement that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the finest spinners in modern cricket, revealed his retirement from international cricket? at the age of 38. The announcement came shortly after the conclusion of the Gabba Test, evoking a mix of nostalgia and admiration from fans and cricket legends alike.

A glorious career comes to an end

Ashwin’s illustrious career spanned over 14 years, beginning with his international debut in an ODI against Sri Lanka in June 2010. His final appearance came in the Adelaide Test against Australia in December 2024. Known for his wizardry with the ball and sharp cricketing acumen, the right-ar?m spinner has played 287 inte??rnational matches, taking an astounding 765 wickets.

This achievement places him second on the all-time list of Indian wicket-takers, behind the legendary Anil Kumble. Out of these, 537 wickets were claimed in Test cricket, making him the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history. Ashwin’s remarkable consistency and adaptability across formats solidified his place among cricket’s all-time greats. The 38-year old player career was punctuated by a plethora of records and accolades. His ability to dominate with both the ball and bat earned him widespread acclaim. He shares the record for the most Player of the Series awards in Test cricket (11), alongside Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan.

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Rain drama at Gabba leads to drawn 3rd Tes??t between Australia and India

Known for his calm demeanor and sharp cricketing intellect, Chennai lad has left an indelible mark on the game. His presence in the dressing room, leadership on the field, ?and ability ??to adapt to any situation made him a beloved figure among teammates and opponents alike.

Tributes poured in from cricket legends, fans, and former teammates, all acknowledging Ashwin’s immense impact on the sport. Fellow cricketers lauded his contributions, describing him as a game-changer who could turn the tide of a match with his brilliance. The world Cup winner retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest spinners will endure. As the cricketing fraternity bids farewell to this modern grea?t, the void left by off-spinner departure will undoubtedly be felt.

Tributes from the cricketing world for retiring R Ashwin 

I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian�?pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 18, 2024

Legend of the game @ashwinravi99 wish you all the best for future //t.co/M1R1SApsBp

— Josh Hazlewood (@Joshrhazlewood) December 18, 2024

Many congratulations Ash on a memorable career. You have been an inspiration and have been a great example of how to make the best of your talent and achieve excellence. Won India so many matches and series with both bat and ball and a great competitor , I am sure your second�?pic.twitter.com/Fg3k1LfBVR

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 18, 2024

Take a bow, Ashwin bro! 🏏 Your magic with the ball, sharp cricketing mind, and unmatched passion for Test cricket will forever be etched in our hearts. Thank you for giving us countless moments of joy and pride. Wishing you all the best for your next chapter! 🙌❤️ #Ashwin�?pic.twitter.com/5jBuHusPn2

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) December 18, 2024

One of the greatest to have played our game. I have enjoyed our interactions @ashwinravi99 and I can only wish you the very best in life. What you leave behind puts you among the best and there is a page in the Hall of Fame for you. pic.twitter.com/Jjlg8tyq7k

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 18, 2024

An absolute match-winner, @ashwinravi99! Retiring as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket is nothing short of monumental. Combine that with his invaluable batting contributions, and you get one of the game’s solid all-rounders. Well done, Ash! pic.twitter.com/9UAxCNouSf

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 18, 2024

Congratulations on an incredible journey, @ashwinravi99! Standing at slip was never a dull moment with you bowling, every ball felt like a chance waiting to happen. All the best for your next chapter! pic.twitter.com/HhBUHVPu3v

— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) December 18, 2024

Happy retirement, @ashwinravi99 ❤️
A true genius of the game and one of cricket’s sharpest minds.
Congratulations on an incredible career! 👏

— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) December 18, 2024

End of an era, but the legacy lives on! 🌀 @ashwinravi99, your contributions to the game are unmatched. It�?�s ?been an honor sharing the field with you, brother. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter! 🙌

— Umesh Yaadav (@y_umesh) December 18, 2024

He wasn't just a match winner he was a series winner. Congratulations on a phenomenal career @ashwinravi99! Will go down as one of the greats of the game. Don't go too far away though, cricket is richer with you. 537 Test wkts at 24.01! CHAMPION 🙌🏻 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/0Kx0N6NwRX

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 18, 2024

a GOAT retires

Well done on what's been an outstanding career . Proud to have played with you and definitely the greatest ever to have played from TAMILNADU. @ashwinravi99

Much love and enjoy some leisurely time with family and friends ❤️#INDvAUS #ashwin#legend

— DK (@DineshKarthik) December 18, 2024

Thanks @ashwinravi99 .. Have loved watching you play for India .. 👍

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 18, 2024

Well played Ash and congratulations on a legendary journey! From spinning webs around the best in the world to standing tall in tough situations, you’ve been a real asset to the team. Welcome to the other side! 🙌🏻 @ashwinravi99

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) December 18, 2024

Hey Ash, congratulations on a magnificent career, old boy. You were an invaluable asset during my tenure as coach and enriched the game immensely with your skill and craft. God bless. @ashwinravi99 @BCCI @ICC #Ashwin #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/ZLelKjmEdu

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) December 18, 2024

Also READ: Here are the updated WTC 2023-??25 standings after rain-hit AUS vs IND Test at Gabba

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Pakistan cricket has bid farewell to two of its notable players in as many days. Following all-rounder Imad Wasim’s announcement, left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir has also declared his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of an illustrious? career.

“It has been a great honour to play for Pakistan across all three formats”: Mohammad Amir

Amir, in a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), expressed immense pride and gratitude for representing Pakistan on the global stage. “It has been a great honour to play for Pakistan across all three formats. I know this is a difficult decision, but I feel this is the right time for the next generation to take the baton and elevate Pakistan cricket to new heights,” he said.

The 32-year-old seamer thanked the PCB for their consistent support and extended his appreciation to the fans who stood by him throughout his career. “I would like to thank the PCB for always extending the much-needed support over the years, and I look forward to watching the team excel. I would also like to thank Pakistan fans for always supporting me throughout my career,”Amir added.

Amir’s career spanned over 15 years, beginning with his international debut in June 2009. He played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is for Pakistan, claiming a total of 271 wickets and scoring 1,179 runs across formats. His final appearance for Pakistan came during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, held in the USA and the West Indies.

Also READ: Reeza Hendricks’ blazing ton propels South Africa to series clinching win over Pakistan in 2nd T20I

“I will always cherish the memories and the incredible support from fans”: Imad Wasim

Before Amir’s announcement, all-rounder Imad Wasim had also decided to hang up his boots. Imad, who last donned the green jersey during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, reflected on his journey as an unforgettable honour. The left-handed cricketer made his debut in May 2015 against Zimbabwe and went on to represent Pakistan in 55 ODIs and 75 T20Is. In his 130-match career, he claimed 117 wickets and scored 1,540 runs?.

Imad shared his heartfelt sentiments about his time with the national team. “After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from international cricket,” he wrote on social media. “Representing Pakistan on the world stage has been the greatest honour of my life, and every moment wearing the green jersey has been unforgettable.

The back-to-back retirements of two prominent players mark the end of an era for Pakistan cricket, as fans now look forward to the next generation stepping up to carry the team’s legacy forward.

Also READ: 3 key reasons behind Jason Gillespie’s resignation as Pakistan’s head coach

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Cricket is a game of glorious centuries and heartbreaking dismissals, but few moments are as agonizing as when a batter falls in the 90s—just short of a coveted hundred. These dismissals are bittersweet, stirring mixed emotions of anticipation, tension, and eventual disappointment for players and fans alike. While achieving a 90+ score is a commendable feat, the inability to reach three figures often leaves a lingering ‘what if’ for even the most accomplished cricketers.

One such player who has experienced this bittersweet fate multiple times is Kane Williamson, one of New Zealand’s finest batt??ers. Known for his consistency, composure, and class, Williamson has shown time and again why he is regarded as a modern-day great. However, even he has not been immune to the perils of?? the nervous nineties.

Kane Williamson’s recent brush with the nervous 90s

In the ongoing first Test against England at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, Williamson added another instance to this list. Returning to Test cricket after sitting out New Zealand’s series against India, the former skipper stepped into the number three position with poise. Following an early dismissal of opener Devon Conway, he partnered with captain Tom Latham to rebuild the innings, demonstrating his trad??emark precision and calm under pressure??.

As he approached a well-deserved century, the tension mounted. However, in the 61st over, Williamson mistimed a shot and was caught at point for 93, leaving fans in disappointment as he fell just seven? runs short of ?the milestone.

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Kane Williamson’s gritty 93 powers New Zealand before Shoaib Bashir’s late stri??kes aid England on Day 1 of the Chr??istchurch Test

Second-most dismissals in the 90s for Williamson

This dismissal marked the 14th time Williamson has fallen in the 90s across all formats of international cricket. It is a rare and exclusive record that highlights both his ability to consistently score big runs and the heartbreaking mo??ments where he narrowly missed out on centuries.

For comparison, Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar holds the unwanted all-time record for the most dismissals in the 90s, having been out 28 times during his career. The frequent occurrence of such dismissals among cricketing great???s underscores the fine margins that define the sport.

A closer look at Williamson’s nervous nineties

• 91 vs England, March 2013 (Test)
• 97 vs Pakistan, December 2014 (ODI)
• 97 vs Sri Lanka, January 2015 (ODI)
• 93 vs England, June 2015 (ODI)
• 90 vs England, June 2015 (ODI)
• 97 vs Zimbabwe, August 2015 (ODI)
• 90 vs Zimbabwe, August 2015 (ODI)
• 97 vs Australia, February 2016 (Test)
• 91 vs Zimbabwe, July 2016 (Test)
• 95* vs Bangladesh, December 2016 (ODI)
• 95 vs India, January 2020 (T20I)
• 94* vs India, November 2022 (ODI)
• 95 vs Pakistan, November 2023 (ODI)
• 93 vs England, November 2024 (Test)

Also READ: NZ vs ENG 2024, Test series: Broadcast, Live Streaming detail??s �?When and where to watch in India, New Zealand, USA, UK & other countries

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Renowned England all-rounder Moeen Ali has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket at the age of 37. This decision follows his omission from the upcoming Australia series, signalling the end of an illustrious career. Moeen, who debuted for England in 201??4, has decided it’s time for the next generation to step up and lead the team forward.

A storied career filled with achievements

Moeen’s international journey is marked by substantial contributions across all formats. With 68 Test matches, 138 ODIs, and 92 T20Is to his name, Moeen accumulated 6,678 runs and claimed 366 wickets. His final international appearance came in the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against India on June 27 in Guyana. Reflecting on his career, Speaking to the Daily Mail, Moeen stated, “I’m 37 years old and didn’t get picked for this month’s Australia series. I’ve played a lot of cricket for England. It’s time for the next generation, which was also explained to me. It felt like the time was right. I’ve done my part,”

His career highlights include a memorable Test hat-trick against South Africa at The ??Oval and being part of England’s victorious World Cup squads in 201?9 (ODI) and 2022 (T20I). Moeen’s versatility and impact on crucial moments have been hallmarks of his playing style.

Also WATCH: Chris Woake?s�?switch to spin bowling leaves Joe Root in splits on Day 2 of the third ENG vs SL Test

Reflections and future endeavours

In his retirement announcement, Moeen expressed a mix of nostalgia and realism. “I still feel I can play, but I understand that the team needs to evolve into a new cycle. It’s about being honest with myself,” Although he is stepping away from international cricket, Moeen plans to remain active in the sport through franchise cricket and coaching. “A bit of franchise cricket, because I still love playing. But coaching is something I want to do �?I want to be one of the best,” he concluded. He is currently playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with the Guyana Amazon Warriors and has also played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the iconic team Chennai Super Kings (CSK), SA20 and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Impressive statistics and lasting legacy

Moeen’s Test career boasts 3,094 runs and 204 wickets, with five centuries and 15 fifties. In white-ball cricket, he scored 2,355 runs and took 111 wickets in ODIs, and amassed 1,229 runs and 51 wickets in T20Is. His record for England’s fastest T20I half-century (16 balls) further highlights his explosive impact in the shorter formats. As he transitions to his next phase in cricket, he remains optimistic about his future contributions. Moeen’s departure from international cricket marks the end of a distinguished era, but his ongoing involvement in the sport promises to continue his legacy.

Also READ: Former World No.1 T20I batter announces retirement from internation??al cricket

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