Ashoke Dinda announces retirement from all cricket

Dinda has 420 wickets from 116 first-class matches

Veteran India and Bengal pacer Ashoke Dinda on Tuesday announced his retirement from all formats of cricket, bringing the curtains down on a career spanning one-and-a-half decades.

The 36-year-old, who had featured in 13 ODIs and nine T20Is for India, had moved to Goa at the start of this season after facing disciplinary action and playing only one Ranji Trophy match in 2019-20.

For Goa, he played three Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches before realising that his body was not supporting him anymore.

"Today, I am retiring from all formats of cricket. I have sent the mails to BCCI and GCA to this effect," said Dinda during a media interaction at Eden Gardens.

Dinda thanked BCCI president and former India captain Sourav Ganguly for going out of his way and giving him a debut against Maharashtra at Pune in the 2005-06 season.

Dinda also represented the Delhi Daredevils, the Kolkata Knight Riders, the Pune Warriors, the Rising Pune Supergiant and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

In 78 IPL games, Dinda picked up 68 wickets at a strike rate of 22.20 and an economy rate of 8.22, with best figures of 4/18.

"There have been several people who have helped me throughout my career whom I would like to thank beginning with my parents.

"Then it's Dada (Sourav Ganguly). It was because of him that I got to play for Bengal. I was not in the squad but he included me as a 16th member and handed me a debut," recalled Dinda.

One of the most consistent pacers in Indian domestic cricket in the recent past, Dinda, who has 420 wickets from 116 first-class matches, is the second highest wicket-taker for Bengal after former left-arm spinner Utpal Chatterjee.

Cricket Association of Bengal president Avishek Dalmiya, secretary Snehashis Ganguly and joint secretary Debabrata Das presented Dinda with a silver plaque and a bouquet and thanked him for his contributions.

"The contribution of Dinda is enormous. He is one of the best fast bowlers we have produced," said Dalmiya. "He will be remembered for his ability to take wickets and win matches, bowl long spells and his never-say-die spirit."