Nagpur: Faiz Fazal, Vidarbha’s most successful captain, on Sunday announced his retirement from professional cricket. Vidarbha’s ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Haryana will be Faiz’s last in the VCA jersey.
The 38-year-old Faiz, the face of Vidarbha cricket for over a decade, who took his team to the top of the domestic circuit twice, walked out onto the field at a match for the last time on Monday.
Faiz, who is playing his 108th Ranji Trophy match, has scored 7693 runs in the tournament. Under his captaincy Vidarbha won the Ranji Trophy twice — in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
“Faiz bhai informed us about the decision during the team huddle on Day 1 of the Haryana match. It took us all by surprise. It was an honour to play with him,” Faiz’s Vidarbha colleague said.
The Fazal household, though, was discussing and debating the retirement issue for a long time. “It has been discussed since the end of last domestic season. His father, Yakub, who shaped Faiz’s career, wasn’t happy with the decision. He is more passionate about Faiz than the cricketer himself,” a family member said.
On Sunday, the two teams — Vidarbha and Haryana — lined up a guard of honour as Faiz Fazal walked out to bat one last time for Vidarbha at the VCA Civil Lines Stadium.
It was akin to life coming full circle for the 38-year-old Faiz. It was December 17, 2003, when a lean 18-year-old Faiz made 151 on his Ranji Trophy debut at the same ground. After a brief move to the Railways, Faiz came back to the Vidarbha fold.
A lone One-Day International appearance, and IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals followed, along with piles of runs in the domestic circuit season after season.
“Representing the Vidarbha cricket team has been a tremendous honour and privilege. I am immensely grateful for the experiences and memories that I have accumulated over the years. However, as I reflect on my career and personal aspirations, I feel compelled to explore new opportunities and avenues beyond professional cricket. This decision has not been easy, but I am confident that it is the right step for my personal and professional growth,” Faiz said in a statement.
