England spinner Ansari announces shock retirement at 25

England's left-arm spinner Zafar Ansari on Wednesday made a shock announcement to retire from cricket at the age of 25, just six months after making his international debut.

Ansari, who represents Surrey in English county cricket, said he wants to pursue other opportunities and is contemplating a career in law.

"After seven years as a professional cricketer and almost two decades in total playing the game, I have decided to bring my cricket career to an end," he said in a statement released by Surrey.

"This has been a very difficult decision to make and I have not made it lightly. It is... with great sadness that I say goodbye.

"Nevertheless, I have always been clear that when the time was right for me to move on I would, and that time has now come.

"While the timing may come as a surprise, I have always maintained that cricket was just one part of my life and that I have other ambitions that I want to fulfil.

"With that in mind, I am now exploring another career, potentially in law, and to achieve this I have to begin the process now."

Ansari, who made his Test debut against Bangladesh last October, played two Tests in India at the end of last year.

Image: Zafar Ansari

Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images