Mumbai: Paras Khadka, who has announced his retirement from international cricket will be solely missed on the field of play, believes Nepal coach Dav Whatmore.
On Tuesday, the 33-year-old all-rounder, who captained Nepal for about ten years and became the longest-serving captain in Associate cricket, announced his retirement.
"Paras will be sadly missed. Most of us didn't expect to see this happening", the national coach Whatmore, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Kathmandu spoke.
"Paras has been front and Centre of all on field successes over the last number of years. I join everyone else in thanking him for his contribution to Nepal Cricket", added Whatmore.
Earlier, Paras, speaking to this reporter from Nepal, said, "I had been thinking about this (retirement) for a long time and I think it is the right time to call it a day. We have this ODI status and this will enable the young player to get a chance and play for the country".
He also added, "Though I am retiring as a player I will not be out of the game for a long time. In some capacity I will continue to serve the game".
"It was my privilege to play for the country".
Khadka may not pursue his career in coaching but may join as an administrator.
His wife, Prapti was not surprised at the retirement decision. Speaking exclusively, she said, "the best from Paras is yet to come. Paras started playing from a very young age and represented the country for 18 years. He wanted to move on from playing cricket to another important department which is the administration. Nepal needs structural development of cricket for which Paras will be engaged in, post retirement".
"I congratulate him on the completion of his playing journey to a special son of the Nation", she signed off.
