England star Zafar Ansari announces shock retirement from cricket, aged just 25, to fulfil dream of becoming a lawyer

ENGLAND all-rounder Zafar Ansari has announced his shock retirement from cricket, aged just 25, to fulfil his dream of becoming a lawyer.

The Surrey star has claimed he is “leaving cricket to pursue new challenges” – but has long mentioned his legal aspirations.

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Having only made his debut for England in October 2016 against Bangladesh, Ansari‘s revelation comes as a massive shock.

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In a statement, Ansari said: “After seven years as a professional cricketer and almost two decades in total playing the game, I have decided to bring my cricket career to an end.

“This has been a very difficult decision to make and I have not made it lightly.

AP:Associated Press

AP:Associated Press

“I started playing for Surrey at the age of eight and the club has been a hugely important part of my life since then.

“Surrey have always completely supported me and I am extremely grateful to the club for their backing over the years.

“It is, therefore, with great sadness that I say goodbye.

“Nevertheless, I have always been clear that when the time was right for me to move on I would, and that time has now come.”

PA:Press Association

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On his future, Ansari added: “While the timing may come as a surprise, I have always maintained that cricket was just one part of my life and that I have other ambitions that I want to fulfil.

“With that in mind, I am now exploring another career, potentially in law, and to achieve this I have to begin the process now.

“I will look back extremely fondly on playing with some wonderful teams and having the opportunity to perform in front of the best crowds in county cricket at the Kia Oval.

“Equally, to have played three Test matches for England was a huge honour and it is something I will undoubtedly savour for the rest of my life.

PA:Press Association

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“Most of all, I will miss the people with whom I have shared my career and I cherish the relationships that I’ve formed along the way.

“I would like to thank Surrey and its fans for the way they have supported and encouraged me over the last 17 years.

“I am now looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life, but I know that Surrey will always feel like a home to me.”

Ansari – of Pakistani descent on his father’s side – has a double-first degree in politics and sociology from Cambridge University.

He played in three Test matches and one ODI for England – against Ireland in 2015.