Former UAE skipper Ahmed Raza retires from all cricket

Raza, 34, made 53 ODI and 55 T20I appearances for the United Arab Emirates and was at the helm as they secured qualification for the 2022 T20 World Cup

Former United Arab Emirates captain Ahmed Raza has retired from all forms of cricket.

The 34-year-old spinner made his ODI debut back in February 2014 and went on to take 64 wickets in 53 matches.

In 55 T20I outings, he took a further 37 wickets and was at the helm when the UAE secured qualification for the 2022 T20 World Cup, their first appearance at a World Cup in either format since 2015.

In total, he captained the UAE on 56 occasions while across his entire career, which began in 2006, he took 260 wickets in 197 appearances in all formats.

^{Raza in action against England Lions back in 2016 [Francois Nel/Getty Images]}

Announcing his retirement on Twitter, Raza wrote: "It is with great pride that I'm announcing my retirement from all forms of cricket.

"After much thought I believe this is the right time to step away from the game that has given me so much love and respect over the last 17 years.

"Representing and leading my country has been one of the greatest honours of mine. I must thank the board, my colleagues, coaches, selectors and most importantly, my late father, who supported and enable me to live my dream to the fullest.

"Also, my mother, my siblings and my friends who were there through it all. Lastly and most importantly to my wife Mehreen, who has been my biggest support system over the last few years.

"It's hard to pinpoint a moment over the course of 17 years, however, leading the UAE to the T20 World Cup will always be a significant achievement of mine.

"I would like to say a special thank you to Aqib Javed, who contributed greatly to my success and turned a rookie into a professional."