• MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday (August 15).

  • "One of the true legends of Indian cricket and one of the greatest captains": Shahid Afridi.

Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi and other Pakistan cricketers pay tribute to MS Dhoni after he announces retirement
Shaoib Akhtar, MS Dhoni, Shahid Afridi (Image Source: Twitter)

On Saturday, August 15, while India was celebrating its 74th year of independence, an announcement that no one saw coming rocked the cricket-frenzy nation. MS Dhoni, just like that, bid adieu to international cricket. The news also brought an abrupt end to incessant speculations about his future.

For a whole lot of young players, Dhoni is more than a mere cricketer. Not many would have entertained an idea of a certain guy from a small, hilly town of Ranchi leading his nation to two World Cup titles, an ICC Champions Trophy and carving his name in the annals of cricket history.

Dhoni, thus, symbolises a possibility for many such kids hailing from a small town, middle-class background and aspiring to don Men in Blue jersey in their life.

As ‘Captain Cool’ announced his retirement on Instagram, people from all walks of life thanked him for his service and wished good luck for his second innings.

Even Pakistani cricketers didn’t shy away from expressing their respect and admiration to the former Indian skipper. Shoaib Akhtar led the trend, followed by his colleagues like Shahid Afridi, Danish Kaneria and others.

Akhtar took to Twitter and wrote: “Mahendra Singh Dhoni retires from international cricket. The story of cricket will never be complete without him. Video tribute coming up shortly. What a legend! #DhoniRetires #mahendrasinghdhoni”.

“One of the true legends of Indian cricket and one of the greatest captains, congratulations on a great career MS Dhoni! All the best for your future,” tweeted Afridi.

Former Pakistan leg spinner Danish Kaneria also penned a heartfelt message for the Indian legend.

“Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hun, Pal Do Pal Meri Kahani”! “My best wishes to most successful captain of Indian Cricket team @msdhoni for his future endeavours. World will miss the finisher!” wrote Kaneria.


Apart from them, former cricketers like Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja and Saeed Ajmal among the others echoed the same sentiments regarding Dhoni’s retirement.

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CATEGORY: Pakistan

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