Former Zimbabwean cricketer Shingi Masakadza has announced his retirement from professional cricket, as announced by his club Takashinga on Monday.

Zimbabwe fast bowler Shingi Masakadza has retired from professional cricket, bringing an end to a career that lasted almost 20 years. The 38-year-old signed off in style, guiding the Mountaineers to a comprehensive 358-run win over the Eagles in the Logan Cup at Mutare Sports Club. In his last game, he played a useful hand with both bat and ball, scoring 53 runs off 50 balls and picking up 1/40 off 20 overs.

Masakadza played for Zimbabwe across all three forms, appearing in five Tests, 16 ODIs, and seven T20Is, earning 16 runs, 25 runs, and four wickets, respectively.

Reflecting back, he explained, "I think it's time to retire from first-class cricket." I like to believe I gave it my all."

He started his career during the 2007/08 season, when he made an impressive 14 wickets in four Logan Cup matches. The next season, he picked 24 wickets, and in 2009/10, he had his most successful domestic season with 40 wickets. His favorite memory is his ODI debut in Port of Spain against the West Indies, where he made three wickets for Zimbabwe's nail-biting two-run win. He made his Test debut in 2012 against New Zealand in Napier.

In spite of all his many accomplishments, Masakadza has one thing he regrets: He never got to play in an international game with his brothers Hamilton and Wellington.

"The fact that all three of us were in the same touring party is one of the proudest moments of my career, though I would have wished all three of us had played in the same international game," he said.

The Takashinga Cricket Club bids farewell to one of our finest players, Shingi Masakadza, who retires from professional cricket. A fighter on the field, an inspiration to many, and a true Takashinga legend. Thank you, Carlo (Masakadza's nickname), for your dedication and unforgettable contributions to the game. I wish you all the best in your next chapter!