VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble were among the cricketers who wished Zaheer Khan on an excellent cricketing career after the latter announced retirement from international cricket on Thursday. The fast bowler who played 194 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), 92 Tests and 17 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for India claimed 282 in ODIs, 311 in the whites and 17 wickets in T20Is since his debut in 2000 for India. Zaheer who is considered India’s best found pacer after the legendary Kaip Dev, had a decent domestic cricket performances with 672 First-Class wickets.He has also entered into business in the last few years. He owns three restaurants in the city of Pune. One of them is the ‘Dine Fine’ restaurant located at Lullanagar, Kondhwa in Pune. READ: Zaheer Khan retires from international cricket with immediate effect
He also owns the restaurant ‘Toss’ in Pune which was launched on May 6′ 2013. It’s launch was attended by some of his RCB team and , Yuvraj Singh. Zaheer has added a personal touch to the restaurant by putting up some wonderful memories in the form of photographs on the walls. Meanwhile, the cricketer tweeted about the news with a two-page document. He said, “I bid adieu to my career in international cricket. I look forward to signing off with IPL 9. #ZaksNewBeginning.”
Congrats @ImZaheer on an outstanding careerWas a pleasure playing with u.Will always cherish the gr8 time we had while playing for Ind
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 15, 2015
I am sure @ImZaheer will continue to contribute to Ind cricket especially in the development of young fast bowlers.#LEGEND
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 15, 2015
Wonderful to have played with you Zak @ImZaheer great bowler great skill! Best wishes for the future.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 15, 2015
When you have a relaxed conversation with @ImZaheer you realise what a shrewd and intelligent cricketer he was. Wish him well.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 15, 2015
“The toughest call in a cricketing career is when one has to walk away from the game itself. You almost will yourself and want to push that few extra miles but body after nearly two decades, decides not to respond. With immediate effect, I bid adieu to my career in international cricket. I look forward to signing off my last season in domestic cricket at the conclusion of Indian Premier League, season 9,” he further added. READ: Zaheer Khan retires from international cricket: Full text of retirement speech