GILCHRIST looks forward to playing in IPL

Agencies

Posted online: Monday, January 28, 2008 at 1452 hrs IST

Melbourne, January 28:
After his surprise announcement to retire from international cricket, Australia’s wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist ohn Monday said he was looking forward to his trip to India for playing in the Indian Premier League.

Gilchrist dropped curtains on a glorious career with the fourth and final Test against India on Monday and the entertaining wicketkeeper-batsman would quit from one-dayers after the forthcoming tri-series featuring Australia, India and Sri Lanka.

Having lent his name to the Indian Premier League (IPL), BCCI’s cash-rich Twenty20 extravaganza scheduled to start in April, Gilchrist said he would be travelling to India to enthrall the spectators again.

“I enjoyed my time there and post-retirement, I’m looking forward to spending some time in India,” Gilchrist said after the match.

Arguably the best wicketkeeper-batsman the game has ever seen, Gilchrist said the decision to quit was not an easy one but now that he has taken the call, he was looking forward to a new life.

“It was a big decision, a tough one. A lot of thought has gone into it and I consulted my family and close friends before calling it quits.

“I was quite upset and overwhelmed. It happens when the true realisation comes of what you are about to do,” he said.

“Anyway, I’m really comfortable now looking forward to reflect on life. I thank everyone who has been associated with the game and hope you enjoyed,” Gilchrist said.