Gyanendra Malla retires from international cricket

Former Nepal captain Gyanendra Malla has announced his retirement from international cricket. Malla, 32, played 37 ODIs and 45 T20Is in his career.

Malla scored 876 runs in ODIs, with seven half-centuries. His knock of 75 against Namibia in 2022 remains his highest score in the format.

In T20Is, he amassed 883 runs at a strike rate of 120.29, scoring one century and two fifties. His 107 against Bhutan in 2019 is the second-highest individual score by a Nepal batter in T20Is.

"With a heavy but deeply grateful heart, I feel it is now the right time to announce my leave from International Cricket," Malla tweeted. "This sacred game, that has been the essence of my existence - from playing locally to playing at the National level - has taught me invaluable lessons about life, determination, and the power of unity. With every stride on the pitch, I felt the pride of representing my country, donning the cherished colors that symbolized a nation's hopes and dreams.

"To my teammates, thank you for being more than just colleagues; you became my family, and together we forged an unbreakable bond. To my coaches and support staff, your guidance and belief in me have been instrumental in shaping my career. And to my supporters, your cheers echoed in my heart, fueling my spirit on the field. Through the highs and lows, your unwavering support held me steady.

"This isn't a farewell; it's a new chapter in my journey. A journey where I will continue to be a staunch supporter of the sport, a witness to its evolution, and a proud flag-bearer of the country I love dearly."

Malla led Nepal in ten ODIs, out of which they won six. In T20Is, the team won nine of the 12 matches under him.

During his career, Malla was part of some memorable moments in Nepal's cricketing history. He played an important hand in Nepal's 80-run win against Hong Kong in their opening match at the 2014 T20 World Cup. He was also the first to score an ODI half-century for Nepal, doing so against Netherlands in 2018 in the team's maiden 50-over appearance.

Malla represented Nepal in two Under-19 World Cups, in 2006 and 2008. In the 2006 edition, he scored 46 in the Plate semi-final as Nepal shocked South Africa by two runs. Two days later, Nepal beat New Zealand by one wicket in the Plate final.