Virender Sehwag set to announce international retirement

Dubai: Indian batsman Virender Sehwag on Monday announced he will imminently retire from international cricket while speaking at an event in Dubai.

The dashing opener, who hasn’t played for the Men in Blue since March 2013, let slip his plans at the Masters Champions League (MCL) launch event here.

“I am still playing first class cricket but will go back to India and soon announce my retirement,” he said.

When asked if he will be playing in the MCL, which is only for retired stars, he added: “I will be playing in this tournament and I am happy to play along with great cricketers of the past.”

Sehwag, who turns 37 on Tuesday, scored more than 8,500 runs in 104 Tests at an impressive average of 49 and a strike rate of 82 runs per 100 balls. He hit 23 centuries with a highest score of 319.

He also scored more than 8,000 runs in 251 One Day Internationals at an average of 35.

Sehwag’s announcement comes just a few days after fellow India veteran Zaheer Khan also quit international duty.

The inaugural MCL, which will be played in the UAE in January and February next year, will see top former players including Brian Lara, Adam Gilchrist, Kumar Sangakkara, Wasim Akram, Jacques Kallis and Mahela Jayawardene star in Twenty20 matches.