Cricketer Aakash Chopra retires

Mumbai: Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra Friday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 37-year-old played 10 Test matches during the 2003-04 season. In his Test career, Chopra scored 437 runs at an average of 23. The former Delhi Ranji team captain scored both his half-centuries against New Zealand at Mohali. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Sanjay Patel sent a congratulatory message to Aakash and wished him well on his future endeavours. “Aakash Chopra was one of the best opening batsmen produced by the country. He had a long and illustrious first-class career, and was part of Delhi and Rajasthan teams that won the Ranji Trophy,” Patel said in a statement. “He was a key member of the Indian team that created history in 2003-04 by winning a Test series in Pakistan. On behalf of the BCCI, I would like to congratulate him on a memorable innings and wish him all the best for his future.”