Indian cricket has recorded another retirement, with fast bowler KC Cariappa announcing his decision to step away from Indian cricket at the age of 31. The announcement was made through a post on his Instagram account.
The decision comes more than two months before the start of IPL 2026. Cariappa stated that his cricketing journey began in the streets and progressed to playing under stadium lights while wearing the national jersey with pride. He confirmed that he has officially retired from BCCI cricket.
In his Instagram post, Cariappa wrote: "From the streets where it all began… to stadium lights and wearing the jersey with pride, I lived a dream I once only imagined. Today, I officially announce my retirement from BCCI cricket."
The announcement surprised fans and members of the cricket fraternity, as retirements at such an age are uncommon in Indian cricket. It is being stated that Cariappa has taken retirement in order to be eligible to play in overseas T20 leagues or other international leagues, as per BCCI regulations, which require Indian players to retire from BCCI cricket before participating in foreign leagues.
KC Cariappa represented Mizoram in domestic cricket. His career statistics are as follows:
In first-class cricket, he played 14 matches and took 75 wickets. In List A cricket, he played 20 matches and claimed 24 wickets. In T20 cricket, he featured in 58 matches and took 58 wickets.
He also played for Mizoram in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025, contributing to the team during the tournament.
Cariappa’s IPL career included stints with Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings, formerly Kings XI Punjab. In 2015, Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for ₹2.4 crore. That season, he played one match and dismissed AB de Villiers. In 2016, Punjab Kings acquired him for ₹80 lakh. Over the next two seasons, he played nine matches and took seven wickets. He returned to Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2019 but played only one match.
Although his IPL career was limited in duration, Cariappa gained recognition following his ₹2.4 crore auction at Kolkata Knight Riders.
