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'Today is a deeply emotional day': India's two-time World Cup winner Piyush Chawla retires from all forms of cricket
Piyush Chawla, member of India's 2007 and 2011 World Cup-winning squads, announced retirement from all forms of cricket after a two-decade-long career. He shared an emotional message reflecting on his journey. read more
Veteran Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla has announced his retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket. The leg-spinner, who was part of India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup winning squads, shared an emotional message on social media to confirm his decision.
'After more than two decades on the field, the time has come to bid adieu to the beautiful game. From representing India at the highest level to being part of the victorious 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup squads, every moment in this incredible journey has been nothing short of a blessing. These memories will forever remain etched in my heart,' Chawla wrote.
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Chawla thanks IPL teams, BCCI, state boards and coaches
The 35-year-old thanked the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams he played for, including Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians, and said he cherished every moment in the league.
'A heartfelt thank you to the IPL franchises who placed their trust in me – Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians. The Indian Premier League has been a truly special chapter in my career, and I have cherished every moment playing in it,' he added.
He also expressed deep gratitude to his coaches for helping him become the cricketer he is and mentioned his family and his late father, whose belief in him kept him going. Chawla also thanked the BCCI, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), and Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) for giving him platforms to grow.
'I owe my deepest gratitude to my coaches — Shri K.K. Gautam and Late Shri Pankaj Saraswat — for nurturing and shaping me into the cricketer I became. To my family, my eternal pillar of strength: your unwavering support has been my foundation through all the highs and lows. A special mention to my late father, whose belief in me lit the path I walked. Without him, this journey would never have been possible.'
'I also thank the BCCI, the UPCA (Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association), and the GCA (Gujarat Cricket Association) for providing me with the platform and opportunities to evolve and express myself as a cricketer.'
'Today is a deeply emotional day for me as I officially announce my retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket. Though I step away from the crease, cricket will always live within me. I now look forward to embarking on a new journey, carrying with me the spirit and lessons of this beautiful game.'
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