Reuters
Wellington, Jan 23: New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns will retire from international cricket next month, the 35-year-old said on Monday.
Cairns, who has been playing only one day internationals after quitting Test cricket in 2004, said he is still enjoying the game but wanted to concentrate on his family and business.
"I still enjoy playing for the Blackcaps (New Zealand national team) and want to leave at a time when that enjoyment has not diminished and when I feel that I am still performing at the top level and contributing to the success of the team," Cairns said in a statement.
"It is also important to retire at a time which allows New Zealand Cricket to develop other options well ahead of the World Cup."
He retired from Test cricket in 2004 to concentrate on one-day cricket as the demands of playing both were taking a toll on his body. He said he wanted to play in the World Cup
Cairns was axed for the tour to South Africa late last year, but was then recalled for the series against Australia after he regained form and fitness.
In the past couple of years he has nursed fragile knees and an ankle that has little ligament support.
Cairns's last international match will be a Twenty20 match against the touring West Indies in mid-February. He is due to play domestic cricket in England this year.
The son of big-hitting former international Lance Cairns, he is one of New Zealand's greatest all-rounders, who brought passion, flair and commitment to the game, New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden said.
Cairns played 214 one-day internationals dating back to 1991, scoring 4881 runs, including four centuries, at an average of 29.46 and taking 200 wickets at 32.80.
In 62 Tests he scored 3320 runs at 33.53 and taken 218 wickets at 29.40.
During sojourn in Mangalore: