‘Satisfied’ Khurram Khan retires from UAE duty

Dubai: UAE all-rounder Khurram Khan has retired ‘a very happy man’ after calling it quits following the team’s Intercontinental Cup match in Ireland on Friday.

The former captain, who turns 44 later this month, says playing in this year’s ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand meant he fulfilled his ambitions.

Khurram — the oldest player to score a One Day International (ODI) century thanks to his unbeaten 132 against Afghanistan in Dubai last year — played a pivotal role in the UAE qualifying for the 2014 ICC Twenty20 World Cup and this year’s One-Day World Cup.

Speaking to Gulf News from Dublin, Khurram said: “I retire a very happy man because I was able to achieve my goal that I set for the UAE team of playing in the 2015 World Cup. When I look back, I feel it was a great career and I retire a satisfied man.”

Despite his veteran status, Khurram, who retires with impressive ODI averages of 41 with the bat and 36 with the ball, was still among the fittest players in the team.

When asked about the secrets of his ability to defy his age, Khurram said: “It wasn’t anything but my never-say-die attitude, which I believe is a must in sport if you want to achieve something. I never lost focus, always worked hard. At my age I had to work even harder and I’m happy in the process I motivated others too.”

Khurram said he will miss playing for the UAE team, who he represented for more than a decade.

“I had great moments, made great friends from the game. All those moments we will cherish. The only factor that will make me sad is that I will not be wearing UAE colours again, which I always wore with pride,” he said.

UAE chief selector Mohammad Redha Abbas told Gulf News Khurram’s contribution to cricket in the UAE was immense.

“He is a fantastic player and his contribution to UAE cricket will always be remembered. We will miss his services, but we appreciate his decision and wish him all the best,” Abbas said.

“We have still a lot to gain from him due to his experience and knowledge of the game and we would be delighted if he pursues his liking for coaching youngsters. I plan to speak to Dubai Sports City and hopefully get his services as a coach at the ICC Academy.”

Khurram played in 16 official ODIs and scored 582 runs at an average of 41.57. He has five centuries and 23 half-centuries in List A matches, scoring 2,870 runs at 44.15. He also averages 43.25 in First Class cricket after scoring 1,730 runs from his 24 matches.

With his left-arm spin, he has taken 80 wickets in List A matches, 12 in ODIs and 34 in First Class cricket.

UAE coach Aaqib Javed said in a statement: “I’d personally like to thank him for the enormous contribution he’s made to UAE cricket during and before my time with the team. He’s a highly skilful player, who has experienced enormous success with the UAE and been a standout player in associate cricket. He’s also an incredible competitor.”

David East, CEO of the Emirates Cricket Board, added: “Khurram has been a fantastic servant to the UAE national team and will be missed both on and off the field. We wish him well in his retirement from the international game.”