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Sussex legend Mushtaq Ahmed quits cricket

27/08/2008

Former Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has been forced to retire from cricket due to an ongoing knee injury.

The announcement was made by Ahmed's club Sussex, for whom the 38-year-old has played since 2002.

The club said Ahmed, who was the leading wicket-taker in the County Championship for five consecutive seasons between 2003 and 2007, "will be sorely missed both on and off the pitch" having become "an integral part of the Sussex community".

Cricket manager Mark Robinson said: "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."

In his time at the county, Sussex have won three County Championships, as well as two one-day trophies - the C&G Trophy in the double-winning season of 2006 and the Totesport Division Two title in 2005.

And Sussex captain Chris Adams said: "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.

"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 have been graced by his presence will agree. He is simply a great man."

Commenting on his decision to retire, Ahmed himself said he was sorry to be leaving a "great family" at the club.

"This is a very hard decision for me to make, as I feel that I could possible play one more year," he explained.

"But out of respect, I would only do that if I felt 100 per cent and I wouldn't want to risk that for the family.

"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.

"If I have hurt anyone in my time, I never meant it and would like to apologise, as there is no shame in apologising to my family.

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