Jaskaran Malhotra retires from international cricket

United States of America cricketer Jaskaran Malhotra has announced his retirement from international cricket. The Indian-origin cricketer decided on the social media account on Thursday (8th August).

Jaskaran Malhotra has been one of the best players to have played for the United States of America. The batter moved from India and then played his cricket in the new country. He after grinding hard in the domestic circuit, then went to to play for the National Cricket Team of USA.

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 slammed 173 not out. He smashed 16 sixes and 4 fours in his innings to help his team win the game.

However, after playing that innings, Jaskaran Malhotra couldn't set the stage on fire. He scored just one half-century in the next 11 ODIs before getting dropped from the team. The right-hander played his last 50-over format game against Namibia in 2022.

Jaskaran Malhotra's last T20I also came in 2022 against PNG. The right-hander since then has failed to cut into the team for the United States of America. He also got dropped from the squad of the National Cricket Team for the T20 World Cup 2024, which took place 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 PNG. The USA batter also holds the record for 2nd most sixes in an ODI innings as he hit 16 sixes.

August 8th, 2024, marks the end of an incredible chapter in my cricketing journey - Jaskaran Malhotra's heartfelt message

Jaskaran Malhotra penned down a heartfelt message, stating that he is grateful for the unforgettable memories, friendships, and experiences he has had representing the USA. He also mentioned that he will be continuing to play franchise cricket and helping young American cricketers. He stated:

"August 8th, 2024, marks the end of an incredible chapter in my cricketing journey. Four years ago, I made my international T20 debut for the USA in Dubai, with my dad proudly watching from the stands. Today, I announce my retirement from international cricket.

"I'm grateful for the unforgettable memories, friendships, and experiences I've had representing USA Cricket. I thank all the coaches, support staff, and teammates who have supported me along the way.

"While I'll continue to play in franchise leagues, my focus now shifts to giving back to the sport. I'm committed to helping young American cricketers achieve their dreams of playing for this great nation."

-My international cricket career comes to a close, effective 8.8.24. @usacricket #usacricket pic.twitter.com/1cRWJIxdZH

??? Jaskaran Malhotra (@JaskaranUSA) August 8, 2024

Jaskaran Malhotra played 18 games for the United States of America in ODIs and scored 429 runs at an average of over 30. In the 17 T20Is, he mustered 267 runs.