South Asia - Injury forces Mushtaq to retire
Updated - 28/8/2008 - bbc.co.uk.
Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has retired from cricket because of knee problems.
Mushtaq has spent the last six years with Sussex, helping them to three County Championships, the C&G Trophy and the Totesport Division Two title.
The 38-year-old, the leading wicket taker in the County Championship for the past five years, said: "This is a very hard decision for me to make.
"My love, my feelings and my heart will always be with Sussex."
During his county career, Mushtaq took 598 wickets, bowling more than 26,000 overs, and can lay claims to being one of the most prolific bowlers in domestic English cricket since the War.
England coach Peter Moores will visit Hove on Friday to say his farewells to the great spinner.
Moores, as Sussex’s coach, was instrumental in bringing Mushtaq to the club and back into first-class cricket for the 2003 season.
The decision proved an instant success. One year after just avoiding relegation, they won the Championship for the first time in their history.
The club will be offering free entry to the ground after 1500 BST on Thursday to enable Sussex fans to say goodbye to Mushtaq.
Sussex captain Chris Adams said: "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.
"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 by his presence will agree. He is simply a great man."
Mushtaq said: "I feel that I could possibly play one more year but, out of respect, I would only do that if I felt 100%.
"I am going to miss playing for the club greatly. I am truly honoured to have spent six wonderful years here.
"There are not enough words to express my gratitude to the club, but I would like to specially thank Peter Moores, [present coach] Mark Robinson, Chris Adams, all my team-mates, all the fans and everyone who is part of this magnificent family for all the opportunities and memories that they have provided me with."
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