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Legendary India Cricketer Mithali Raj Hangs Her Boots, Retires From All Formats

Mithali Raj made her international debut in June 1999, in an ODI against Ireland. 

Former Indian Womenโ€™s cricket captain Mithali Raj has brought the curtain down on her storied career, announcing her decision to โ€œretire from all forms of International Cricketโ€ in a message on Twitter.

She took to Twitter to share a statement and thanked everyone for the โ€œlove and supportโ€.

โ€œI set out as a little girl on the journey to wear the India blues as representing your country is the highest honor. The journey was full of highs and some lows. Each event taught me something unique and the last 23 years have been the most fulfilling, challenging & enjoyable years of my life,โ€ she said.

โ€œLike all journeys, this one too must come to an end. Today is the day I retire from all forms of International Cricket. 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 to represent the tricolor,โ€ she added.

She further wrote, โ€œI 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 players and the future of Indian Cricket is bright.โ€

Thanking the BCCI, she said, โ€œIโ€™d like to thank the BCCI & Shri Jay Shah Sir (Honorary Secretary, BCCI) for all the support I have received โ€“ first as a player and then as the Captain of the Indian Womenโ€™s Cricket Team.
It was an honor to have led the team for so many years. It shaped me as a person & hopefully helped shape Indian Womenโ€™s Cricket as well.โ€

Concluding her note, she wrote, โ€œThis journey may have ended but another one beckons as Iโ€™d love to stay involved in the game I love and contribute to the growth of Womenโ€™s Cricket in India and the world over.
Special mention to all my fans, thank you for all your love & support.โ€

Raj retires as the leading run-scorer in womenโ€™s ODIs. She appeared in 232 matches for India, scoring 7805 runs at an average of 50.68.

Earlier she announced her retirement from T20 internationals. in September 2019.Mithali Raj made her international debut in June 1999, in an ODI against Ireland. She had captained India in the ICC Womenโ€™s World Cup earlier this year in New Zealand, where India failed to qualify for the semi-finals.

โ€œA wonderful career comes to an end! Thank you @M_Raj03 for your immense contribution to Indian cricket. Your leadership on the field has brought much glory to the National womenโ€™s team. Congratulations for illustrious innings on the field and best wishes for your next innings!โ€, Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, tweeted.

 

 

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