The 36-year-old shared the news through an Instagram post.
“After spending more than two decades on the pitch, the time has come to say goodbye to this beautiful game,” Chawla expressed.
“While I may step away from the crease, the essence of cricket will forever reside in me. I am eager to start a new chapter, carrying the spirit and insights of this amazing game with me,” he stated.
Chawla was an integral part of India’s T20 and ODI World Cup-winning teams in 2007 and 2011, respectively. He played for India in three Test matches, 25 ODIs, and seven T20Is, claiming 43 wickets across all formats.
“From representing India at the highest level to being part of the triumphant 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup squads, every moment in this remarkable journey has felt like a blessing. These memories will remain forever close to my heart,” Chawla conveyed in his post.
He expressed gratitude towards his coaches, teams, and IPL franchises for influencing his career, describing his experience in the T20 league as “a remarkable chapter in my journey.” “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the IPL franchises who placed their faith in me – Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians.
“The Indian Premier League has indeed been a significant chapter in my career, and I have treasured every moment playing in it. I owe my profound gratitude to my coaches – Shri K.K. Gautam and Late Shri Pankaj Saraswat – for nurturing and molding me into the cricketer I became,” he mentioned.
“Today is an emotional day for me as I formally announce my retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket,” he added.
The leg-spinner was part of KKR’s victorious team in the 2014 IPL, contributing to the winning runs under Gautam Gambhir’s captaincy against the Punjab Kings in the final held in Bengaluru.
“A special mention to my late father, whose unwavering belief in me illuminated the path I followed. Without him, this journey would have never been achievable,” he remarked.
Chawla began his competitive cricket career at 15 and represented both the India Under-19 and Uttar Pradesh Under-22 teams.
He gained widespread attention when he bowled out Sachin Tendulkar with a googly during the Challenger Series 2005-06, and made his first-class debut at the age of 17.
Chawla has amassed over 1000 wickets across all formats in domestic cricket.
