Irfan Pathan reveals ‘only regret’ of his career after announcing retirement from all forms of cricket

Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, who earlier announced his retirement from all formats of the game, stated he regrets his international career ended at the age when some people make their debut.

"People start their career when they are 27-28 and then go on to play till 35. When I was 27, I had taken 301 international wickets, so that was it. That is the only regret I have," lamented Irfan Pathan.

The 35-year-old announced his retirement more than seven years after his last game for team India but further added that in 2016 he realised that he would never get to play for India again.

"A 27-year-old Irfan Pathan, at the peak of his career, should have got more opportunities but it did not happen for whatever reasons. No complaints but looking back, there is regret." Pathan said.

"I knew after 2016 that I am not going to make a comeback when I was the highest run scorer in Mushtaq Ali trophy. I was the best all-rounder and when I spoke to selectors, they were not very happy with my bowling," he added.

The all-rounder featured in 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20Is for the man in blue and scalped 301 wickets. In 2016 in Pakistan, Irfan also went on to become the second Indian after Harbhajan Singh to take a Test hat-trick.

Pathan made his debut in 2003 against Australia and his last appearance was during the 2012 T20I World Cup in Sri Lanka.

"I wish I would have played more and could have taken that tally to 500-600 wickets and scored more runs, but it did not happen," Irfan Pathan said.