Suresh Raina retires from IPL, domestic cricket, will now play for T20 leagues in South Africa, Sri Lanka and UAE

New Delhi: Former India middle order batsman Suresh Raina has announced his retirement from the India Premier League (IPL) and domestic cricket.

He will, however, play in T20 leagues in South Africa, Sri Lanka and UAE. Raina will now be seen in the Road Safety World Series, starting from September 10.

The 35-year-old cricketer announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Twitter this afternoon. This move will make him eligible for competing in overseas T20 leagues.

Raina had followed MS Dhoni into international retirement on August 15, 2020.

He continued playing the IPL in 2021 but was released by Chennai Super Kings ahead of the 2022 season.

"It has been an absolute honour to represent my country & state UP. I would like to announce my retirement from all formats of cricket," Raina tweeted while thanking the BCCI, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association and CSK.

Since an active India or domestic player can't take part in overseas leagues, Raina needed to take this step for him to explore T20 leagues around the world.

He could also be seen in Cricket South Africa's new T20 league, to be held next year, with all six teams owned by IPL franchises, including CSK.

Raina played his last competitive game in October 2021 when he turned up for CSK against Rajasthan Royals in Abu Dhabi.

As an India player, Raina played 18 Tests, 226 ODIs and 78 T20s. He was part of the World Cup winning squad in 2011.

(With additional information from PTI)