Akram Khan announces his retirement

Former Bangladesh skipper Akram Khan has announced his retirement, explaining that he wanted to make way for the next generation of players.

"I could have continued for another two to three years, but that would not have yielded any result," he told a crowded press conference in Dhaka. "Staying on would only have meant occupying a place in the team so I have decided to take off my gloves."

Khan made his one-day debut for Bangladesh against Pakistan in 1988, and in 44 ODIs scored 976 runs at 23.23. He played in Bangladesh's inaugural Test in 2000-01, but was unable to hold down a regular place and made only eight appearances, scoring 259 runs at 16.18.

His technique was limited but he compensated with a good eye, and was at his most effective when lofting spinners over the top.