Cricket

Kane Williamson has hailed the "incredible" career of his close friend Tim Southee after the pace bowler announced his retirement from Tests following the England series.Williamson and Southee's careers have been intertwined since their junior and Under-19 days, through domestic cricket, and into all formats for New Zealand. The pair played their 100th Tests together against Australia earlier this year, with Williamson making his debut two-and-a-half years after Southee.Williamson, New Zealand's leading run-scorer in Test history, praised Southee's longevity and achievements. "To do it as long as Tim has is incredible as a fast bowler," Williamson said. "There's not many in the history of the game who have been able to achieve what he has."Southee's retirement marks the latest departure from an era of successful New Zealand players, including Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, and Neil Wagner. Trent Boult has also stepped away from Tests and T20Is.Williamson acknowledged the changing landscape of the team but emphasized the excitement for the future. "It's life, isn't it," he said. "You do realize you are closer towards the end than the start."Williamson, who will return from a groin injury against England, also discussed his own career and the challenges of managing his body in the latter stages. "It's not major, which is good," he said. "But I've certainly had a few reminders that I'm not invincible."Despite missing the historic 3-0 victory in India, Williamson praised the team's performance. "To go over and play the way they did, so special, one of our all-time cricketing memories," he said.

Tim Southee, New Zealand's legendary seam bowler, has announced his retirement from Test cricket after a remarkable 18-year career. The 35-year-old will bid farewell to the longest format of the game on his home ground in Hamilton next month, at the conclusion of England's tour of New Zealand.Southee has been a cornerstone of the Black Caps' bowling attack since making his debut against England in 2008. He has claimed 385 Test wickets in 104 appearances, second only to Sir Richard Hadlee (431) among New Zealanders. His impressive tally includes 15 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket matches.Southee's recent performances have been particularly noteworthy. He played a key role in New Zealand's historic 3-0 series win in India, the first by a visiting team since 2012-13. Despite claiming just three wickets across the first two Tests, he dismissed India's captain, Rohit Sharma, for a duck in the series opener and their top-scorer, Sarfaraz Khan, for 150 in the second innings.Southee's retirement marks the end of an era for New Zealand cricket. He is the country's most prolific bowler in international cricket, with 770 wickets across formats to date. No other bowler in international cricket has matched his feat of reaching 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets, and 100 T20I wickets.Beyond his bowling prowess, Southee has also been a valuable contributor with the bat. He has scored 93 Test sixes, second only to Brendon McCullum among New Zealanders. His maiden Test innings in 2008 saw him strike an unbeaten 77, which remains his highest score in the format.Southee's retirement announcement has been met with tributes from around the cricket world. He is widely regarded as one of the finest bowlers of his generation and a true ambassador for the game.

Michael Burgess, the 30-year-old wicketkeeper for Warwickshire, has unexpectedly announced his retirement from professional cricket. Burgess, who joined Warwickshire in 2019 from Sussex, had a contract that was set to expire at the end of the 2025 season. However, he has decided to step away from the game and pursue other career opportunities in London.Burgess began his cricket journey with Surrey's age-group setup before pursuing a degree in Sports and Exercise Science at Loughborough. He made his first-class debut for the UCCE side in 2014 and later joined Leicestershire in 2015. After being released by Leicestershire, Burgess considered various options, including a city job in London and a position at Royal Hospital School in Ipswich. However, he eventually secured a trial at Sussex, which led to a permanent deal.In 2019, Burgess moved to Warwickshire, where he became a key member of the team. He scored over 3,000 runs in 65 first-class matches for Warwickshire, including a career-high 178 against Surrey in 2022. Burgess also played a crucial role in Warwickshire's County Championship title and Bob Willis Trophy double in 2021.Speaking about his retirement, Burgess said, "It's been a very difficult decision. I know it will come as a surprise to many people around the club. But I've decided the time is right to step away from the game and pursue other opportunities."Warwickshire's performance director, Gavin Larsen, expressed disappointment at Burgess' departure but acknowledged that all players eventually reach the end of their careers. He praised Burgess' combativeness and toughness with the bat, as well as his exceptional wicketkeeping skills.Burgess' retirement leaves a void in Warwickshire's squad, which has already lost Will Rhodes and Chris Benjamin to Durham and Kent, respectively. The club has only signed one incoming player so far, seamer Ethan Bamber from Middlesex.

Imrul Kayes, the veteran Bangladeshi opener, has announced his retirement from Test and first-class cricket. The 34-year-old made the emotional announcement in a video message on his Facebook page, stating that his last red-ball match will be Khulna Division's National Cricket League (NCL) match against Dhaka Division at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka next week.Kayes' Test career spanned 39 matches, with his last appearance coming in the historic day-night Test against India at Eden Gardens in 2019. Batting primarily at the top of the order, he amassed 1797 runs at an average of 24.28, including three centuries and four fifties.However, Kayes' Test career was most notable for his prolific opening partnership with Tamim Iqbal. Together, they formed Bangladesh's most successful opening pair, accumulating 2336 runs in 53 innings. Their average first-wicket partnership of 45.80 is also the best among any Bangladesh opening pair.Kayes and Iqbal shared four century stands, including a memorable 185-run partnership at Lord's in 2010 and a world-record 312 against Pakistan in Khulna in 2015. The latter partnership helped Bangladesh save the Test match after conceding a 296-run first-innings lead, and remains the only 300-plus opening stand in the third or fourth innings of a Test match.Kayes' first-class career has also been impressive, with the left-hander just 70 runs short of the 8000-run mark. He will have the opportunity to reach this milestone in his farewell game in Mirpur, which begins on November 16.Kayes' retirement marks the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket. He was a key member of the team that achieved Test status in 2000 and played a significant role in their subsequent rise in the international arena. His contributions to Bangladesh cricket will be fondly remembered by fans and players alike.

Liam Norwell, the former Warwickshire seamer who played a pivotal role in saving the club from relegation in 2022, has been forced to retire on medical grounds. The 32-year-old has been battling a series of long-standing injuries that have prevented him from regaining full fitness.Norwell's heroics on the final day of the 2022 County Championship season will be etched in Warwickshire's history. His career-best figures of 9 for 62 against Hampshire at Edgbaston secured a thrilling five-run victory and kept the Bears in the top flight at the expense of Yorkshire.In recognition of his efforts, Norwell was rewarded with a two-year contract extension in March 2023. However, a back injury in pre-season ruled him out of the entire campaign. He made a brief return to action in four second XI games in June 2024, but a torn pectoral muscle in the last of those against Worcestershire ended his hopes of a full comeback.After undergoing another operation, Norwell's contract with Warwickshire was terminated by mutual consent. Warwickshire Performance Director Gavin Larsen expressed his disappointment at the time, saying, "I'm gutted for Liam because I know how hard he's tried and trained to get back to full fitness."Norwell's career has been marked by both success and setbacks. He has taken a total of 347 first-class wickets, including 94 for Warwickshire. In 2021, he claimed 49 wickets at an average of 18.21, earning him a place on the England Lions tour of Australia. He was also named as a stand-by for England's Test tour of the Caribbean the following spring, but a family illness prevented him from answering the call.Despite the challenges he has faced, Norwell remains grateful for his time at Warwickshire. "I've really enjoyed my time as a Bear since joining and have shared in some great team successes and memories," he said. "My focus now is on getting fit and healthy again, and working out what is next for my family and I."

Wriddhiman Saha, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman, has announced his retirement from cricket after the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. The 38-year-old has had a distinguished career, representing India in 40 Test matches and 9 ODIs.Saha's journey began in 2007 when he made his First-Class debut for Bengal. He spent 15 years with the state team before moving to Tripura. His consistent performances earned him a national call-up in 2010, and he made his Test debut against South Africa.Over the next decade, Saha established himself as a reliable wicketkeeper and a valuable lower-order batsman. He played a crucial role in India's Test victories, including the historic series win in Australia in 2018-19.In the IPL, Saha represented several teams, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Titans. He was part of the Gujarat Titans squad that won the inaugural IPL title in 2022.Saha's international career came to an end in December 2021 when he was informed by then India head coach Rahul Dravid that he was no longer in the team's plans. However, he continued to play in the IPL and made significant contributions to Gujarat Titans' championship victory.Throughout his career, Saha scored over 1300 runs in Tests, including three centuries and six half-centuries. He also took 92 catches and effected 12 stumpings. His exceptional wicketkeeping skills and ability to bat under pressure made him a valuable asset to any team.Saha's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. He was one of the most respected and experienced players in the team, and his absence will be felt. However, his legacy will continue to inspire young cricketers across the country.

MS Dhoni's potential involvement in the T10 format has sparked speculation, with T Ten Global Sports Founder and Chairman Shaji Ul Mulk expressing optimism about the possibility. Dhoni's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains uncertain, raising questions about his retirement plans.Despite his age and recent knee injury, Dhoni's participation in the T10 format could be a viable option. The format has attracted top former and current stars, including David Warner. Several retired Indian players, such as Robin Uthappa, Suresh Raina, and Irfan Pathan, have also participated in T10 leagues."We can expect MS Dhoni to be playing T10 when he makes up his mind," said Shaji. "Almost all the big names of India have come to play T10."The Abu Dhabi T10, scheduled for 2024, has already secured 179 international megastars from 11 different nations. The tournament's global appeal is evident in the participation of players from the West Indies, UAE, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, England, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.Abu Dhabi Cricket CEO Matthew Boucher believes the T10 format has the potential to take off globally. "It seems like T10 is having a fantastic couple of years," he said. "It is something that is taking to take off on a global perspective."Dhoni's decision to participate in the T10 format will depend on his physical condition and retirement plans. However, the prospect of seeing the Indian icon in the fast-paced and exciting T10 format remains a tantalizing possibility for fans.

Mahmudullah Retires from T20Is, Citing Focus on ODIsVeteran Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad has announced his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), effective after the third and final match of the ongoing series against India. The 38-year-old made the announcement at a pre-match press conference ahead of the second T20I in Delhi.Mahmudullah, who made his international debut in 2007, has been a mainstay in Bangladesh's T20I setup for over a decade. He has played 139 T20Is, scoring 2,213 runs at an average of 22.13 and taking 92 wickets with his off-spin bowling. He has also captained Bangladesh in 35 T20Is."Yes, I'm retiring from T20Is after the last game of this series. It was pre-decided," Mahmudullah said. "It's the right time to move on from this format and concentrate on ODI."Mahmudullah's decision to retire from T20Is comes as no surprise, as he has been struggling for form in recent times. He has not scored a half-century in his last 10 T20I innings and has taken only two wickets in his last five matches.However, Mahmudullah remains a key player for Bangladesh in ODIs. He has played 232 ODIs, scoring 4,876 runs at an average of 33.14 and taking 153 wickets. He is also Bangladesh's most successful ODI captain, having led the team to 43 victories in 73 matches.Mahmudullah's retirement from T20Is will be a significant loss for Bangladesh, but it will also allow him to focus on his ODI career and help Bangladesh qualify for the 2023 World Cup.

Usman Qadir, the 31-year-old legspinner, has bid farewell to Pakistan cricket, ending a four-year journey that began with a return from Australia and a commitment to his homeland.Qadir's international debut came in a T20I series against Zimbabwe, where he made an immediate impact with eight wickets in three matches, earning him the Player of the Series award. At his peak, he was considered Pakistan's primary legspinner, briefly eclipsing Shadab Khan in the T20I side.However, Qadir's career was marked by inconsistency and disciplinary issues. In 2018, he expressed his desire to represent Australia, making his debut for Western Australia and playing for the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder in the BBL.In a surprising turn of events, Misbah-ul-Haq named Qadir in a Pakistan squad for a series in Australia in late 2019, even before he had publicly committed to playing for Pakistan. The decision came shortly after the passing of Qadir's father, Abdul Qadir, Pakistan's most famous legspinner.Qadir's inconsistency continued with Pakistan, and his last international appearance came at the Asian Games in October 2023. In recent months, his relationship with the PCB deteriorated, with Qadir accusing the board of mismanaging his injury.In his retirement announcement, Qadir expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career and paid tribute to his father's legacy. He did not specify his future plans but hinted at continuing his involvement in cricket.Qadir's retirement marks the end of an era for Pakistan cricket, as he was one of the last remaining players from the generation that followed the golden era of the 1990s and early 2000s.