Former Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed retires

Former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has retired from cricket because of his inability to recover from a persistent knee injury.

The 38-year-old Mushtaq, who played his last Test in October 2003, made the decision after six seasons and three county championship titles with English side Sussex.

"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 percent," Mushtaq said.

In 2003, Mushtaq became the first bowler in five years to take 100 wickets in an English season to help guide Sussex to its first-ever county championship title after 164 years of county cricket. He again got 100 wickets in 2006 and 2007, with Sussex winning the title in both years.

"I am going to miss playing for the club greatly," Mushtaq said. "I am truly honored to have spent six wonderful years here. There are not enough words to express my gratitude to the club."

Mushtaq Ahmed claimed 185 wickets in 52 Tests for Pakistan in a career divning 14 years. But his first-class bowling record is even more enviable. The leg-spinner has claimed 1,407 victims in 309 first-class games with 104 five-wicket hauls.

"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," Chris Adams, who has captained Mushtaq Ahmed throughout his tenure with Somerset, was quoted as saying to The Independent.

"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 with his presence will agree. He is simply a great man,” said Adams.

In 1997 Mushtaq Ahmed was named as one of the Wisden Cricketers Of the Year.