Mushtaq calls it a day

Sussex leg-spinner spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has played his last game after confirming his retirement due to a knee injury.

The 38-year-old, who last played for Pakistan in 2003, has been one of the driving forces behind Sussex's success during his six-year stint at Hove, taking a staggering 598 wickets in all competitions.

Mushtaq won three County Championships, a C&G Trophy and the totesport Division Two title during his time at Sussex but, after a season plagued by injury problems, he has decided to call it a day.

“I would firstly like to thank Allah for providing me with this great family," he said.

"This is a very hard decision for me to make as I feel that I could possibly play one more year, but, out of respect, I would only do that if I felt 100% and I wouldn’t want to risk that for the family.

Mushtaq Ahmed was an integral part of the triple championship-winning side between 2003-2007

“I am going to miss playing for the club greatly. I am truly honoured to have spent six wonderful years here.

"There are not enough words to express my gratitude to the club, but I would like to specially thank Peter Moores, Mark Robinson, Chris Adams, all my team-mates, all the fans and everyone who is part of this magnificent family for all the opportunities and memories that they have provided me with.

“My love, my feelings and my heart will always be with Sussex and I will always pray to Allah for continued success at Sussex.”

Club captain Adams gave the spinner a glowing testimony.

“Mushtaq’s legacy at the club is that he leaves us statistically, romantically and emotionally the best player to ever pull on a Sussex shirt,” he said.

“In view of the impact he’s made, it’s difficult to think of another cricketer who has achieved or done more for one county. His legacy extends beyond the playing arena, as I’m sure all that have been graced by his presence will agree. He is simply a great man.”

Mark Robinson, Sussex cricket manager, added: “I don’t think that it will ever be possible to overplay the enormous influence Mushtaq has had on Sussex in recent years.

“His record as a player and the trophies that he has helped us win will speak for itself, but I would like to pay tribute to him as a person from myself and all the people whose lives he has touched for the enormous influence he has had on us.”