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[Saba Sports News] Iqbal Abdulla, the 33-year-old left-arm spinner from Mumbai, has announced his retirement from cricket. Abdulla was part of the Indian under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2008.
During his First-Class career, Abdulla claimed 220 wickets at an average of 29.17 and scored 2641 runs at an average of 32.20. In List A matches, he took 131 wickets with an average of 27.47 and scored 1196 runs at an average of 20.98. In T20 cricket, he impressed with 86 wickets at an average of 27.33 and contributed 426 runs at an average of 17.04.
Abdulla played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he played under Virat Kohli’s leadership. He was part of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy-winning squads in the 2009-10, 2012-13, and 2015-16 seasons. Abdulla also represented Mizoram, Sikkim, Kerala, and Uttarakhand in domestic cricket.
One of his career highlights was his memorable performance in the 2016 IPL playoff, scoring 33 not out off 25 balls and sharing an unbeaten 92-run partnership with AB de Villiers, helping Royal Challengers Bangalore secure a thrilling victory over the Gujarat Lions.
Recognized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Abdulla was named the ‘Best All-rounder’ for the 2011-12 domestic season and received the ‘Rising Cricketer’ title in the 2011 IPL. He was also a valuable asset to India ‘A’ touring teams, earning the ‘Man of the Series’ award during India A’s tour of England in 2011.
Expressing his gratitude, Abdulla mentioned, “I’m quitting this game after a successful innings, content with what I’ve achieved.” He thanked the BCCI, the Mumbai Cricket Association, and all those who supported him during his remarkable career. Abdulla remains open to the possibility of playing in overseas T20 leagues, subject to BCCI’s permission.