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Kenya’s World Cup legend Collins Obuya announces retirement after 23-year international cricket career

Kenya all-rounder Collins Obuya retires after a 23-year international career, following a defeat against Uganda in the African Games. Obuya expressed his gratitude towards his teammates and family, and now plans to focus on coaching in his home country, Kenya. He leaves behind a legacy as one of the top run-scorers for Kenya, with 2044 ODI runs and 1794 T20I runs, along with 60 international wickets.

Obuya’s standout performances include a match-winning 5-24 against Sri Lanka in the 2003 Cricket World Cup, where he dismissed key players like Aravinda de Silva and Kumar Sangakkara. His contributions helped Kenya reach the Super Six stage and semifinals, making them the only non-Test playing nation to achieve such a feat in the tournament. Despite unforgettable moments like his unbeaten 98 against Australia in the 2011 World Cup, Obuya faced challenges as Kenya’s captain following the team’s failure to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014.

The 42-year-old cricketer expressed his pride in his long career, stating, “It has been a lovely career for me, to have been able to play that long.” Obuya’s retirement marks the end of an era for Kenyan cricket, as he leaves a lasting impact with his performances on the field. His decision to transition into coaching reflects his dedication to the sport and his desire to contribute to cricket development in Kenya.

As Kenya bids farewell to a cricketing stalwart, the legacy of Collins Obuya will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers in the country. His achievements on the international stage will be remembered, as he embarks on a new chapter in his cricketing journey as a coach in Kenya.

IANS

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