"Very Very Special" Laxman announces retirement from International Cricket

Veteran Indian batsman V V S Laxman announced on Saturday that he would be retiring from international cricket with immediate effect. 

"It's been 16 years since I have made my international debut for India and I think it is the right time to move on.As a youngster it was dream to represent India and it took lot of pride to wear India cap. I would like to give youngsters an opportunity to prove themselves. I am grateful to almighty for blessing me to live my dream of playing cricket." said an emotional Laxman after announcing his retirement in Hyderabad. 


"I have always felt that I have got the opportunity to serve my country and have played the best cricket not only in India but overseas as well.
I think it is time to give youngsters a chance at home ahead of a tough season. I have always kept the country's success ahead of personal aspirations. 
I communicated my decision to BCCI earlier in the day that I am not going to continue playing cricket and would hang my boots with immediate effect.
It was emotional during the past 4-5 hours while talking to my colleagues with whom I've shared the dressing room. 
Any innings that saves a match is very special. There are a lot of innings and matches that are very close to me and I will cherish all of them. 
Durban 2010 (96 vs SA) was one of those knocks that I would cherish. Winning that match in the fashion that we did will be very memorable to me.
I will be very satisfied with the decision that I have taken and I will never regret this decision. Even in my exit, I will be following and living my ideals, which would be to keep the country before my personal needs," Laxman added. 

"It was my privilege to play with the some of the legends of the game like Sachin, Rahul, Kumble, Sehwag, Saurav and a lot of other players as well. All of them inspired me because everyone had one single goal - to do well for country and to work for the progress of Indian cricket. They were all role models for me." 

Laxman was also picked for the forthcoming India-New Zealand two-Test series but the stylish Hyderabadi stunned the cricket fraternity by calling it quits with immediate effect.