Calcutta: Sourashish Lahiri, a veteran of 100 first-class matches, officially announced his retirement from the game on Thursday.

Lahiri, who was an off-spinner and a decent batsman lower down the order, played his last match for Bengal in the Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy against Jharkhand in March last year. His last first-class match was the Bengal vs Madhya Pradesh Ranji Trophy tie in February last year.

He finished with 256 first-class wickets and 2240 runs, which included two centuries.

The Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly, treasurer Biswarup Dey, Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary, former Bengal captain and currently minister of state for sports Laxmi Ratan Shukla and other fellow players were present at Lahiri's farewell.

"I am feeling nervous today... I have played first-class cricket for 17 long years and couldn't have asked for a better farewell. I am lucky to have so many of my colleagues by my side at this emotional moment," Lahiri said.

Speaking about his decision to retire, the 34-year-old said: "It's not a sudden decision... I have been thinking about it for quite some time. A few days back, I had spoken about it with the CAB president... But he had asked me to take some time and think again.

"But after considering everything, I came to the conclusion that this is the right time to bid the game goodbye. I have also spoken with Laxmi, and he too said that it is the right time to go," Lahiri said.

Lahiri said he cherishes dismissing Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammed Azharuddin during his long career.

About his future plans, Lahiri said that he is interested in coaching. "I have got so much from the game... I would only be happy to give something back to it."