Former KKR and Punjab Kings spinner KC Cariappa has shockingly announced his retirement from Indian cricket, ending a career that included both state and IPL cricket.
In an emotional Instagram post, the 31-year-old, who concluded with 58 T20 wickets, formally announced his retirement from BCCI cricket. Cariappa described his profession as the dream he once only imagined, reflecting on its highs, lows, pressure and pride. He thanked the Cricket Association of Mizoram for supporting him like family and the Karnataka State Cricket Association for helping to shape his career.
“From the streets where it all began…to stadium lights and wearing the jersey with pride – I lived the dream I once only imagined. Today, 1 KC CARIAPPA, officially announce my retirement from BCCI cricket. This journey gave me everything – victories that made me smile, defeats that broke me, and lessons that shaped me. I’ve felt pressure, pain, sacrifice…but also the kind of joy only cricket can give,” Cariappa wrote on his Instagram post.
“I owe my deepest gratitude to Karnataka State Cricket Association – for building me, guiding me, and believing in me when it mattered the most. And to Cricket Association of Mizoram – thank you for trusting me, standing by me, and supporting me like family,” he further wrote in his post.
Leg-spinner Cariappa dismissed AB de Villiers in his first IPL match in 2015 while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders. However, the Knight Riders released him from the team. After that, Cariappa played for Punjab from 2017 to 2018 before rejoining KKR in 2019. From 2021 until 2023, the 31-year-old was a member of the Rajasthan Royals squad. He has taken 8 wickets in 11 IPL matches during his career.
“My 7-YEAR IPL JOURNEY will always stay close to my heart. Proud to have represented: Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Rajasthan Royals. To every selector, coach, teammate, support staff, and every fan- thank you. You didn’t just support my game… You supported my dream. I may be retiring from BCCI cricket today… But I will never retire from loving this game,” he said in his statement.