Hyderabad, Aug 18 (IBNS): Indian cricketer VVS Laxman announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday ending a glorious cricket career that spanned for 16 years.
"I will like to announce my retirement from international cricket with immediate affect," Laxman said while announcing his retirement on Saturday.
Laxman said it is the right time to give an opportunity to youngsters to play for the country.
"I think it is right time to give oppurtunity to youngster to play in home conditions given overseas tours next year," Laxman said.
"As a youngster, representing India was a dream for me...I am blessed I got that opportunity," said an emotional Laxman.
"Few in our country get opportunity to represent the country and am thankful," he said.
The stylish right-handed batsman said he was lucky to play for India in an era when the side played its best cricket in India and abroad.
"I was fortunate to play in an era where Indian cricket played its best cricket in India and abroad," he said.
Laxman said he will cherish his journey in the world of cricket for the rest of his life.
Laxman, who bats right-handed and occasionally bowls off-spin, thanked his parents, wife, friends and cricket officials for supporting him all through his career.
"It has been a memorable and fabulous journey which I will cherish for the rest of my life," he said.
He was out of form of late.
Laxman said the decision was a tough one for him.
Speaking on his decision to retire from international cricket, Laxman said: "It has been a very tough decision for me. I have always listened to my inner voice and conscience."
"It was around five days back when I experienced the thought to end my career," Laxman said.
"I communicated the selectors and the board this morning that I am not going to continue playing cricket and hand my boots," he said.
The All-India Senior Selection Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had selected Laxman in the Indian team for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
However, he surprised his fans by deciding to retire from international cricket with immediate affect on Saturday.
After making his Test debut against South Africa in 1996, Laxman went on to play 134 Test matches and scored 8781 runs.
He hit 17 centuries in his Test career.
His glorious innings of 281 runs against Australia at the Eden Gardens in 2001 will always be remembered as one of the best innings played by him.
Laxman scored 2338 runs in 86 One Day International (ODI) matches.
He hit 6 centuries with a top score of 131 runs.
He was a part of the renowned batting quartet that comprised of other three icons Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar.
