Paul Valthaty Announces Retirement From First-Class Cricket

Former Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) batsman Paul Valthaty has announced his retirement from First-Class Cricket. The former IPL batsman shot to fame after scoring a sensational century against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2011.

The right-handed batsman became a household name after smashing 120 runs off just 63 balls against the reigning IPL champions. His impressive performance in IPL 2011 continued in the following games too. In the very next game after his century against CSK, Paul Valthaty scored 75 off 47 deliveries hitting 5 sixes and 8 fours in addition to taking 4 wickets for 29 runs against now-defunct Deccan Chargers.

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It was followed by a knock of 46 runs against Rajasthan Royals. Paul Valthaty went on to finish the season with 463 runs. However, he failed to live up to the expectations and played only seven more games after IPL 2011 as he lost his form. Prior to playing for Punjab Kings, Paul Valthaty had also played for two games for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2009 but failed to impress.

Paul Valthaty announces retirement:

More than a decade after his dream season in the IPL, Paul Valthaty has decided to bid adieu to the game. The former Punjab Kings batsman informed about his retirement to Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Monday (July 17).

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“I was extremely lucky and proud to have represented many teams in my career from India Blue in the Challenger trophy, India U-19 and the Mumbai Senior team and all age group teams. I would take this opportunity to thank The BCCI and MCA who have always been supportive to me and many such cricketers like me.

“I would also like to thank the IPL and both my teams Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings who I had the good fortune of representing and was the first player from Mumbai and the 4th Indian to score a century in the IPL,” Paul Valthaty wrote in his mail sent to MCA according to The Indian Express.

Paul Valthaty had to overcome a major injury before starring in the IPL. During the 2002 Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, he suffered partial loss of vision. He was hit in the eye by a short delivery from a Bangladeshi bowler.

“The ball bounced unexpectedly and hit me straight in the eye,” Paul had said after his IPL hundred. “It took me at least a couple of years to adjust and get back to my best.”

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