NEW DELHI: Indian spinner Amit Mishra, who last played an international match in 2017, announced his retirement from cricket at the age of 42 on Thursday. The leg spinner featured in 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is for India where he claimed 76, 64, and 16 wickets respectively.

Mishra took to social media to announce his decision, bringing the curtains down on his 25-year career and describing the game as his first love.

"Today, after 25 years, I announce my retirement from cricket - a game that has been my first love, my teacher, and my greatest source of joy,” Mishra wrote on X.

"This journey has been filled with countless emotions - moments of pride, hardship, learning, and love. I am deeply grateful to the BCCI, Haryana Cricket Association, my coaches, support staff, colleagues, and most importantly, the fans, whose faith and support gave me strength at every step," he added.

"From the struggles and sacrifices in the early days to the unforgettable moments on the field, every chapter has been an experience that has shaped me as a cricketer and as a person.

To my family - thank you for standing firmly by my side through the highs and lows. To my teammates and mentors - thank you for making this journey so special. As I close this chapter, my heart is full of gratitude and love. Cricket has given me everything, and now, I look forward to giving back to the game that made me who I am," Mishra further added.

Mishra's international career began in 2003 during an ODI tri-series in Bangladesh, and five years later he made a memorable Test debut against Australia in Mohali, claiming a five-wicket haul.

In 2013, he etched his name into the record books by equalling Javagal Srinath's world record of 18 wickets in a five-match ODI series, achieved against Zimbabwe. Mishra was also a key performer in the 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, where he picked up 10 wickets and helped India finish as runners-up.

Though his last international outing came in 2017, Mishra remained active in domestic cricket and the IPL. His final appearance was for Lucknow Super Giants against Rajasthan Royals in the 2024 season.

In the IPL, Mishra leaves behind an illustrious legacy - finishing as the seventh-highest wicket-taker with 174 wickets in 162 matches, at an average of 23.82 and an economy rate of 7.37. Remarkably, he remains the only bowler in the league's history to have claimed three hat-tricks, achieved while representing three different franchises: Delhi Daredevils in 2008, Kings XI Punjab in 2011, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2013.