Ashok Dinda announces retirement from all formats

Ashok Dinda announces retirement across formats:

Ashok Dinda, who played for India and Bengal, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Tuesday (February 2).

The 36-year-old, who earned his maiden first-class cap against Maharashtra in November 2005, played 116 first-class matches and ended up with 420 wickets at an average of just over 28

Dinda recorded his best figures in first-class cricket (8 for 123) against North Zone in the 2011-12 season

The 36-year old played 13 ODIs and nine T20Is between 2010 and 2013, picking up 12 and 17 wickets respectively.

Dinda, who represented Goa in domestic cricket this season, said in a presser: “Today I am retiring from all formats of cricket. There have been several people, including my parents, who have helped me throughout my career and I would like to thank them. A thank you to my on-field guardian, Sourav Ganguly. He has a lot of contributions to my career.

After having represented Bengal for over a decade, Dinda had moved to Goa ahead of the ongoing domestic season which has been curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic.

He was the second-highest wicket-taker for Goa in the 20-over Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with five strikes, but it came at the cost of 10.08 runs an over, as they suffered an early exit.

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Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Avishek Dalmiya paid tribute to Dinda. “The contribution of Dinda is enormous,” he said.

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

He was the second-highest wicket-taker for Goa in the recently-concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with five scalps.

Overall, Dinda finished with 420, 151, and 151 wickets in First-class, List A, and T20 cricket respectively.