NEW DELHI: Abu Nechim,  a former under-19 World Cupper and Assam’s first representative in the IPL before Riyan Parag broke into the scene,  has announced retirement from all forms of the game.

"I would like to bring to your kind attention that I have come to determine to step away from the sport and retire from all forms and levels of the game which I have loved very much. I would like to take the opportunity to express my gratitude to the BCCI and Assam Cricket Association," he said in a note posted on his Instagram account.

Nechim joined the India U19 team after making his first-class debut for Assam at the age of 17, and in the 2006 Men's U19 World Cup semifinal match against England, he picked figures of 4-14 in a masterful exhibition of swing bowling. He subsequently completed his U19 career with a devastating 6/9 against Bangladesh in the tri-series final.

"I also want to acknowledge the support of the two IPL teams, Mumbai Indians and RCB. The following 23 years have been a wonderful adventure of playing the sport and learning from all the highs and lows that occurred at diverse and different levels. Finally, I would want to thank my family and everyone who has sent their best wishes and supported me on this beautiful journey" he added.

Nechim played for the Mumbai Indians for four seasons starting in 2010 and was also a part of the 2013 IPL winning side in addition to being a regular member of the Assam senior team in domestic cricket.

From IPL 2014 to IPL 2016, he played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He was the first player from Assam to compete in the IPL, taking 12 wickets overall from 17 games at an economy rate of 8.69.

He has 172 wickets from 68 first-class games, 65 from 61 List-A games, and 78 from 80 T20 matches. In the most recent domestic cricket season, the 34-year-old moved to Nagaland and led the team to the Ranji Trophy's elite division while taking five wickets in a condensed season.

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