London, May 18: One day cricket's most successful bowler Wasim Akram announced today that he has retired from international cricket. The 36-year-old Pakistani all-rounder told a television network that it was time for younger players to get their chance to play for the national side, with whom he won the 1992 World Cup and made his debut for 19 years ago.
"My future is somewhere else after September (when he finishes his contract with Hampshire)," said Wasim, who has taken 502 one-day wickets and claimed 414 Test victims. "Maybe I will be working in television or coaching," said the pace bowler.
Wasim was a shadow of his former self when he played in this year's World Cup as Pakistan won just two matches and failed to make the Super Six stage. Like several of the other senior players, who under-performed in the World Cup, he was dropped for the Sharjah Cup in April and not selected for the current one-day triangular series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
However, judging by Pakistan's 12-run defeat by Sri Lanka earlier today his decision, even at his advanced age, may be a little premature.
"I have enjoyed every bit of it," said the veteran of 104 Tests. "There are no regrets. There have been ups and downs but I would not have changed it for anything else." Bureau Report