Kathmandu: Nepal's cricket fraternity bids farewell to one of its esteemed players and former captain, Gyanendra Malla, as he announces his retirement from international cricket.

At the age of 33, Malla made the decision public during a press meeting, marking the end of his illustrious career in all forms of cricket, including domestic matches.

Throughout his journey in Nepal Cricket, Gyanendra Malla has been a stalwart and one of the longest-serving players in the team. A technically sound batsman, he was known for his gentleness and discipline, displaying unwavering integrity in representing Nepal during both good and challenging times. Alongside former skipper, Paras Khadka, Malla's name became synonymous with Nepali cricket in its earlier days, and both players have achieved legendary status in the game.

Malla's cricketing prowess emerged at a young age, starting at the U15 level and continuing to impress with his talent during the 2006 and 2008 U19 Cricket World Cups.

Renowned for his ability to construct innings under pressure, Gyanendra Malla earned the reputation of being Nepal's dependable batsman. His presence on the national team has been instrumental in achieving several significant milestones for Nepal, contributing significantly to the country's cricketing journey.

Notably, one of his unforgettable moments came during the T20 World Cup in 2014, held in Bangladesh, where he played a pivotal role in elevating Nepal's performance on the global stage. Additionally, his participation in Nepal's maiden ODI match against the Netherlands in 2018 remains historic, as he became the first batter to score a half-century in that match.

Over the course of his career, Malla featured in 37 ODIs, amassing a total of 876 runs, with seven half-centuries to his credit. In T20Is, he accumulated 883 runs from 45 matches (39 innings), showcasing his versatility with one century and two fifties.

Malla's leadership qualities were evident as he took charge in 10 ODIs and 12 T20Is, guiding the team through various challenges and leaving a lasting impact on his teammates and fans.

As Gyanendra Malla bids adieu to international cricket, his legacy as a reliable, skillful, and crucial player for Nepal will forever be cherished by cricket enthusiasts, and his contributions will be etched in the annals of Nepal's cricketing history.