Mushtaq’s decision was forced upon him having experienced continued discomfort in his knee. He has spent the last six years with the seaside county club Sussex and has played a major part in the unprecedented success that the county has enjoyed in that time. 

The Multan-born bowler took 598 wickets in all competitions after bowling more than 26,000 overs. Mushtaq also helped Sussex to two one-day trophies – the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy in the double-winning season of 2006 and the Totesport Division Two title in 2005.

He was the leading wicket-taker in the County Championship for the past five years (2003-2007) and leaves the English game as one of the best overseas players to have ever visited the UK. He also played for Somerset from 1993-1995 and Surrey in 2002.

“This is a very hard decision for me to make as I feel that I could possibly play one more year, but out of respect, I would only do that if I felt one-hundred per cent and I wouldn’t want to risk that for the family.

“I am going to miss playing for the club greatly. I am truly honoured to have spent six wonderful years here (at Hove). There are not enough words to express my gratitude to the club, but I would like to specially thank Peter Moores, Mark Robinson, Chris Adams, all my team-mates, all the fans and everyone who is part of this magnificent family for all the opportunities and memories that they have provided me with.

“If I have hurt anyone in my time, I never meant it and would like to apologise, as there is no shame in apologising to my family (the club). My love, my feelings and my heart will always be with Sussex and I will always pray to Allah for continued success at Sussex.”

Club captain and former England batsman Chris Adams added: “Mushtaq’s legacy at the club is that he leaves us statistically, romantically and emotionally the best player to ever pull on a Sussex shirt.

“In view of the impact he’s made, it’s difficult to think of another cricketer who has achieved or done more for one county.  His legacy extends beyond the playing arena, as I’m sure all that have been graced by his presence will agree. He is simply a great man.”

Mushtaq is expected to play out his final years in the Indian Cricket League, where he played for Lahore Badshahs in March, under the captaincy of his best friend Inzamam-ul-Haq.