Next

The gentle giant retires gracefully

For a man who burst on to the international cricket scene by playing some eye-catching knocks in Pakistan's 1992 World Cup triumph, it is unfortunate that Inzamam-ul Haq should be associated with the team's dismal performance in this year's event.

One of Pakistan's greatest batsmen retired from Test cricket on Friday, six months after quitting the captaincy and one-day internationals following his team's shock loss to Ireland and elimination in the first round of the World Cup in the West Indies.

He finished his career on 8,830 from 120 matches, disappointed that he failed to become his country's top Test run scorer. He had required just six runs to overcome Javed Miandad as Pakistan's top scorer when Pakistan batted in the second innings, but fell for just three.

"It is disappointing not to have got a big score in my last match. But there are no regrets because I have enjoyed a lot of success and got a lot of love from the people," he said later.

"It was a very emotional moment for me going out to bat one last time for Pakistan. It was very difficult for me to spend these last five days in the dressing room and on the field knowing it is my final Test. I am sad but have no regrets."