KINGSTON, March 19: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq on Sunday announced his retirement from one-day cricket after his team's humiliating exit from the World Cup and the death of coach Bob Woolmer.

He also said he would give up the captaincy after playing his last one-dayer against Zimbabwe on Wednesday, a match he and the team have dedicated to Bob Woolmer, who died here after the team were bundled out of the Cup by Ireland.

“I have talked with my father on the phone and have decided to retire from one-day cricket after the Zimbabwe match,” Inzamam told reporters.

“Leading Pakistan was a great honour and these last three years have been the most memorable for me. On the same side, the World Cup debacle this time has been the worst days of my career,” he said.

“I wanted to go on a high but this was not in my fate.”

The 37-year-old Pakistan captain made 36 and one, respectively, in the 54-run defeat against the West Indies and the three-wicket upset loss to Ireland that ended their World Cup campaign. Zimbabwe will be their last Cup match.

“We will play the last match for our coach, who was not only a great coach but a great human being and a personal friend,” the star said. “We can never overcome the tragedy and would always remember the man.”

Inzamam said he had talked with coach Woolmer about announcing his decision to retire from the one-day game.“A lot of people may think that this was not the right time to announce retirement but I discussed it with Woolmer, who agreed with me,” he said.

“I will be willing to serve Pakistan cricket in any capacity and would be playing Test cricket, if needed, as a player.”—AFP