American cricketer Jaskaran Malhotra has announced his retirement from international cricket. The Indian-origin cricketer decided to do so on Thursday (August 8) via his social media account.
Jaskaran Malhotra has been one of the best players to have represented the United States of America. The batsman moved from India and then played cricket in the new country. After working hard in the domestic circuit, he went on to play for the US National Cricket Team.
Jaskaran Malhotra is one of the four players to have hit six sixes in an over in international cricket. The right-hander played his best innings in the ODI against Papua New Guinea in Oman in September 2021, when he hit 173 not out. He hit 16 sixes and 4 fours in his innings to help his team win the game.
However, after playing that innings, Jaskaran Malhotra failed to make a splash. He scored just one half-century in the next 11 ODIs before being dropped from the team. The right-hander played his last match in 50-overs format against Namibia in 2022.
Jaskaran Malhotra’s last T20I was also in 2022 against Papua New Guinea. Since then, the right-handed bowler has failed to break into the United States of America squad. He was also dropped from the National Cricket Team’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, which was held in the USA and the Caribbean.
Jaskaran Malhotra also holds the record for the second-most runs in an innings by batting position. He scored 173 runs against Papua New Guinea. The USA batsman also holds the record for the second-most sixes in an ODI innings as he hit 16 sixes.
August 8, 2024 marks the end of an incredible chapter in my cricketing journey: Jaskaran Malhotra’s heartfelt message
Jaskaran Malhotra wrote an emotional message in which he said that he is grateful for the memories, friendships and unforgettable experiences he has had representing the USA. He also mentioned that he will continue to play franchise cricket and help young American cricketers. He said:
“August 8, 2024 marks the end of an incredible chapter in my cricketing journey. Four years ago, I made my international T20 debut for the United States in Dubai, with my father proudly watching from the stands. Today I announce my retirement from international cricket.
“I am grateful for the memories, friendships and unforgettable experiences I have had representing USA Cricket. I am grateful to all of the coaches, support staff and teammates who have supported me along the way.
“While I will continue to play in franchise leagues, my focus now is to contribute to the sport. I am committed to helping young American cricketers achieve their dreams of playing for this great nation.”
-My international cricket career comes to an end as of 8.8.24. @usacricket #usacricket image.twitter.com/1cRWJIxdZH
– Jaskaran Malhotra (@JaskaranUSA) August 8, 2024
Jaskaran Malhotra played 18 matches for the United States of America in ODIs and scored 429 runs at an average of over 30. In the 17 T20Is, he amassed 267 runs.
