(Image source from: Yahoo Cricket)

An India cricketer Mohammad Kaif proclaimed his retirement from all the forms of competitive cricket on Friday, almost 12 years after he last played for the Indian team in which he stood out as much for his acrobatic fielding as for his effective middle-order batting.

The 37-year-old Kaif played 13 Tests and 125 ODIs for India and will always be recalled for his match-winning knock of 87 at the Lord's during the epic Natwest Trophy final in 2002.

"I'm writing to you today to announce my retirement from all forms of first-class cricket," Kaif intimated acting president C.K. Khanna and acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary in an email.

He was a part of the Indian team that reached the World Cup final in South Africa. Along with Yuvraj Singh, Kaif was among the stars to emerge from the U-19 India stable after leading the Colts to a maiden Junior World Cup triumph in 2000.

Kaif, who has won the Ranji Trophy for Uttar Pradesh, last played first-class cricket for Chattisgarh.

"I am retiring today as it's been 16 years since the historic NatWest Trophy win in which I was glad to play my part, and I'd like to remember that as I bow out," he wrote. "I am grateful for the opportunity to have worn the India cap, and to have gone on to play 125 ODIs and 13 Tests for India, and for several other moments."

Kaif will always be recollected as being one of the exceptional fielders that India has ever produced.

By Sowmya Sangam