'Sad Day, But Right Time To Go'

One of the most-feared fast bowlers and former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis pulled  the curtain down on an illustrious cricket career spanning 15 years.

Waqar's decision to hang his boots comes over a year after being sacked from captaincy following his side's dismalperformance in World Cup 2003 in South Africa. Post the mega-event, he was not even picked to play again for Pakistan.

The 32-year-old speedster, who made his interntaional debut with Sachin Tendulkar in Karachi in 1989, said hecould have prolonged his wait for a recall but felt he may not get another chance to represent his country at thehighest level.

"It is a sad day for me, but the right time to go," he told a press conference arranged by the Pakistan CricketBoard in Rawalpindi.

"I thought I could have played for a year or so, but I lost the hunger because the selectors did not consider me goodenough to represent the country any more," he said.

Dreaded by batsmen worldwide for his toe-crushing yorkers, Waqar earned phenomenal succcess in both forms of thegame. In 87 Tests, he claimed 373 wickets at 23.56 with the best being seven for 76 against New Zealand at Faisalabad in1990-91. 

In 262 one-day internationals he tallied 416 wickets at 23.86, the best being seven for 36 against England in Leeds in2001.

Waqar, who quit all forms of cricket, said he was yet to take a decision on his future.

"I have not decided on it. It could be media work or coaching, but something definitely related to cricket."

Waqar, whose family was present at the media conference, said he enjoyed a "healthy rivalry" withWasim Akram, who finished with 414 Test and a record 502 one-day wickets.

"People sometimes talk of the rivalry and controversy between us. It was nothing serious. In fact, any rivalry ishealthy and good for the team.

"We initially started the trend of reverse swing which initially raised a few eyebrows. Now everyone seems to havelearnt the trick," he said.

"It was great bowling alongside Akram. He contributed to 50 per cent of my success. We shared the burden andcomplimented each other. I am proud to be part of the partnership that was referred to as 'two W's' of Pakistancricket."

Waqar said he owes a lot to his "godfather and mentor" Imran Khan for his success at the highest level."Imran had the right approach towards the game. He did not teach how to bowl but he taught me how to win matches."

At the end of his career, Waqar said he had a few regrets including not being able to play too many games against India.

"There are some regrets like missing out the 1992 World Cup due to injury and not being able to play a lot againstIndia."

PTI