Sehwag to retire from international cricket

One of India's greatest opening batsmen Virender Sehwag has clearly indicated that he will "soon" be retiring from international cricket.

Sehwag, who turned 37 on Tuesday, is going to feature in the 2016 Masters Champions League (MCL), whose rules clearly state that only retired players can participate.

At the MCL launch function here on Monday, Sehwag stressed that if he is not going to feature in India's international scene, he will retire soon.

"If I am not retired I will not be able to play (in the tournament). I will go back to India and announce my retirement. It is not official yet. I am playing first class and not international cricket," Sehwag told a news channel.

"When I will go back to India, I will think about it and will officially announce my retirement from all international cricket and all forms of the game. You will hear very soon."

In a video interview to The Quint, the opener added: "I will retire soon from international cricket. I'll announce it officially and then you people can get to know that and then I can take part in this tournament. I'll retire from international cricket and IPL (Indian Premier League) so I will not be playing those leagues. I will play only MCL."

In a career spanning over 15 years in international cricket, Sehwag featured in 104 Tests and scored 8,586 runs. In 251 One-Day Internationals, he amassed 8,273 runs at an average of 35.05.

His batting was also instrumental in helping India win the 2011 World Cup at home. He is also the only batsman along with Don Bradman, Chris Gayle, Brian Lara to have scored a triple century twice in Test matches.