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Pay your tibutes to Mushy
27th August 2008
Mushtaq Ahmed announces his retirement - leave your messages for the great man
Mushtaq Ahmed today announced his retirement from Sussex County Cricket Club. He is a true legend of the game and we have been honoured to have him around.
The man has become a hero in taking 598 wickets for Sussex and bowling over 26,000 balls. He’s helped us to win three County Championships and two one day trophies.
Please leave your tributes to the great man below. We will be collating and presenting them, along with tributes from the players and staff, to Mushtaq Ahmed.
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Comments
Mister
Thanks for the memories Mushy. We all love you! You will be greatly missed as a player but hopefully we will see you involved teaching our young spinners of the future.
Mr
Mushy, Over the six years that you have been at Sussex you have transformed the club's fortunes. Your contribution has been enormous. Your enthusiasm for the game is endless and is apparent to players and spectators alike. Thank you for six years of pleasure and success. I wish you every success for the future.
County Champion
I am very sorry indeed to learn that injury has forced your retirement from active cricket with Sussex. I hope very sincerely that you are able to get a position connected with cricket, preferably with Sussex County Cricket Club. I have supported Sussex since 1953 when, as an eight-year-old boy, I was taken to Hove County Ground by my father from Eastbourne, where we then lived. My father was on the Committee of Sussex County Cricket Club and I was, therefore, able to meet the players and obtain their autographs, which I still possess. My earliest heroes were Jim Parks, Ken Suttle, Ian Thomson, Rupert Webb, G.H.G. Doggart, Alan Oakman and A.E. âTedâ James, but, although they came second in the County Championship, the top place always evaded them. You can imagine my happiness when, in 2003, Sussex won the County Championship with your very great help. I was at the ground when we beat Leicestershire and passed close to you after the match, but I was too shy to tell you how much I valued your wonderful contribution to the team effort. I was also present at Trent Bridge in 2006 when the victory over Nottinghamshire gave us the second Championship and have many happy memories of that day. I couldnât be present in 2007 as the players and supporters waited to hear the final result, but I was there in spirit. I write to thank you with all my heart for your most important contribution to these victories. They will mean a lot to you and your team colleagues, but they mean much to me also.
Mr
Dear Mushy I really would like to thank you most heartily for all your efforts for Sussex over the years and for finally bringing so much success to the club that means so much to me. Iâm only sorry that it has all come to a slightly premature end. Iâve been a loyal Sussex supporter since I was a boy, and a member for at least 30 years. In that time Iâve seen many great players wearing the martlets including Ted Dexter, Jim Parks, John Snow, Tony Grieg, Imran Khan, Garth Le Roux, Franklyn Sterphenson and Michael Bevan. However, in my view none have had even a tenth of the impact that you have had on the club. Its not just a question of performance on the field, though you have always lead with the ball and even occasionally with the bat. I feel that you have also contributed so much more in terms of team spirit and of course in unearthing two more wonderful players in Yasser Arafat and Rana. Thanks for everything. You will be sadly missed.
Mr
It's been a privilege to be a member at Sussex while you've been working your magic Mushy. I loved the way you played, the way you teased and tormented batsmen into giving up their wickets, your self-belief demonstrated time after time as your list of victims grew. And your impeccable character off the pitch is an inspiration to us all, you most certainly played a huge part in creating the happy atmosphere that has been such an important part of our success in recent years.
Hail to Mushy
All I can say is thankyou to the little maestro who has given me so much pleasure over the last few years. Not only a great bowler, but a great entertainer, popular with team-mates and fans alike. A better overseas player and role model to youngsters, there couldnt be
The End Of An Era
The day you anounced your retirement from county cricket was a sad day. Not only for sussex fans but for cricket in general!!! Mushy you have been such a fantastic cricketer and role model for so many people like me and I will miss joining in with your appeals along with the rest of the sussex fans!!! But I hope your retirement gives you a well earned rest. I hope the rest of the fans will agree with me in saying that Hove will always be your second home and you will always be welcome here on the south coast. Thanks for evrything Mushy!!!
Mr
I have only been a member for three years at Sussex but it has been a privilege to have watched you in action thank you.
mr
as a sussex supporter i am deeply saddened by mushys retirement. he has brought that feel good factor back to the club that was missing in the nineties.he is a great person not only on the field but off it too.i wish him all the luck in the world for his future hope fully at sussex ccc. thanks a lot mate i hope you enjoy your retirement. brian
Bob
My wife and I managed to get to our first Sussex match (Arundel) last year, in spite of being a supporter since the Fiftees! Fortunately Mushie was playing, and we feel privileged to have been able to have seen the great man in action. Good luck for the future Mushie, and keep your Sussex links.
SHAHBAASH
Mushtaq Ahmed did a great job of retiring from cricket at his peak. He has distributed his vitol role for Sussex in wining three County Championship. The Sussex authority must take services of Mushy as COACH by keeping in view his experience and excellent performance for Sussex and it will be the best tribute for him by SUSSEX.
Mr
Thankyou for the entertainment you have given me and every one who has followed Sussex over the last six years. Your skill as a bowler and your infectious enthusiasm have made watching a pleasure even in the most pressured situations.
Mrs
Thank you Mushy for 6 wonderful seasons. Our 3 year old son, David, will miss seeing you at The County Ground. You are his favourite, closely followed by Sharky! Best wishes to you and your family.
sussex legend
You sir,deserve the honour of sussex legend and can be considered as great as your hero Imran khan and my own idol John snow,thanks for the endless memories.Lets hope you can continue at the club helping the new breed.
Mr
Mushy: you have given me, a long standing supporter of Sussex cricket, countless pleasure over the six years you have been a martlet. Whirling arms, expectant, enthusiastic appealing, rattling wickets and an infectious enthusiasm leading to brilliant close -in catching and wicket keeping exhuberance has provided continual excitement for spectators, fans and admirers. ForSussex, a covey of trophies. Nearly always imposible to spot what ball you were going to bowl next you were the ultimate entertainer and match winner. Thank you Mushy, you are deservedly a lionised great.
The legand that is mushy
3 times county champions. without mushy we might not have had theese. What a player mushy. 2 times getting 100 wickets in a season. Its a great shame to see a legand depart. Will never forget- Mushtaq Ahmed!
Thanks Mushy
As a Sussex fan since 1956 (at 8 years old) your achievements with the club far surpass anything I have witnessed in that time. Thank you for the pleasure you gave us,the passion you showed and the privilege in watching a master at work. Wishing you good health in the future and hope to see you at the club in years to come.
Thank you Mushy
I don't think it would be an exaggeration to say that your arrival transformed our club into the title winning side we are today. You've made us happy and proud. Thank you for the past, present and future.
Legend
Mushy...any cricket fan that doesn't recognise that you are the best player to appear on the county circuit then they don't truly love cricket. Please stay involved at Sussex...maybe the chairman can make a role especially for you! Take Care.
Thank You
Mushy you have bought 6 great years to Sussex and out a true Sussex legend. My youngest step sons, Oscar's, love of cricket is due to meeting you and shaking your hand. Thanks for the Happy Memories and I hope we see you down at Sussex in some capacity.
Hi Mushy!
Its sad that you are leaving cricket. I was really fun to see your bowling. Don't go far, stick around and train some youngsters. So we can say that you are also the best trainer!!!!
Legend
Congratulations on a wonderful playing career. An extraordinary effort from an extraordinary man. Your presence on the pitch has thrilled cricket fans the world over and inspired a generation to come.
The Champion
Mushy thank you for all the joy that you have given to me and all Sussex fans in your wonderful spell at Hove. I'm 19 and very new to cricket, only starting watching the sport in 2004, and I am so happy to say that I have spent a few years watching the great Mushtaq Ahmed play. You are the prefect example of the modern day professional, both on and off the field. All I can say is thank you, and all the best for the future wherever that maybe.
The Smile
One of the many qualities you have, is the quality to make people smile. You've put many a smile on the face of Sussex supporters through your wickets, and unique talent. I was at the World cup final in Melbourne in 1992, little did I know then, what a great asset you would be to English cricket.
Thank You
Thank you for all that you have done for Sussex without u we would not have won what we have, thanks for all of it. Finally you are miles better thank shane warne we would rather have had you any day of the week. Thanks.
THE SPIN MASTER
WHAT CAN WE SAY BUT A BIG THANK YOU FOR ALL THE PLEASURE YOU HAVE GIVEN US DOWN ON THE SOUTH COAST. PLEASE DO NOT FORGET US AS YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF ALL SUSSEX FANS . THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL THE PLEASURE YOU HAVE GIVEN US
Mr.
A wonderful player, but more importantly, a truly great but humble man. He has been an absolute star for Sussex over the years. I hope he stays in the County and also with the Club. We should let him live in the Brighton Pavilion or Arundel Castle for as long as he likes - for free. And rename the A23 Mushtaq Ahmed Way. A true Sussex hero. "Sussex people are brilliant people". I can't argue with that, but I'm not sure any of us are as brilliant as he was and will forever remain.
Great Memories
Thank you so much for so many great moments. My favourite was that championship winning day at Nottingham where Notts were completely bamboozled. What a great player - we wish you and your family all the very best for the future.
Platypus
What can I say. Thankyou almost seems inadequate for all the fun and enjoyment you have given us. We will miss you so much. Please come back as often as you can.
mr
You were the greatest player ever to have put the Sussex shirt on SIR mushie. perhaps we could get the council to change there mind and have one of the city's bus's named after you. thanks again for the great memories may you and your family enjoy peace and good health for the coming years THANKS AGAIN.
Mr
Mushy - So sad to hear that you've been forced to retire. You've done so much for Sussex. You will probably never realise how much you have been admired - and even loved - by so many followers and supporters of the club, including ones like me who live outside the county and who have not been able to ge to the matches as often as we should like. Thank you, thank you, thank you so very much! Have a very happy retirement - keep in touch with your Sussex "family"!
Life Long Friend of Mushy
Thankyou from the bottom of my heart Mushy for making the last six years of my life so brilliant. I've been lucky enough to watch you twirl your magic up and down the country playing for Sussex over the years and you've always brought a smile of joy to my face. I was also very lucky shake your hand earlier this season at the county ground just as you were about to leave and I thankyou for giving me the time to let you know how proud I am of you. I really hope the future will bring you much joy and you must tell Robbo from me that he'd be completely bonkers not to keep you on in the coaching staff - cos if he doesn't you can be sure another county will snaffle you up very quickly. Personally I hope to see you around the squad for meny years to come
Thanks
Mushie, thanks for all the memories - and wickets! You have been a true ambassador for Sussex Cricket Club both on and off the field. Have a good rest and come back soon!
Miss
How can we put what we owe you into words? Thank you for everything you have done for the Sussex family, for your skill, humility and wisdom, and for helping us become the most successful Sussex side ever. As a player you will be an impossible act to follow but, most of all as a person you are irreplaceable. It has been an absolute joy and privilege to have you at Sussex and I dearly hope you will get your wish to help coach the players at your second home - inshallah!
Our Sir Mushy
What happy memories you have given us over the years. Our greatest spinner of all time for sure. Well the time has come to stop playing. I don't blame you as it's getting harder and harder now to find somewhere to have a smoke in England. Very best wishes Sir
Mrs
Thank you for helping so much in the great spell that Sussex have enjoyed in the last few years and also for being an inspiration. I am a Christian but feel we share many values and hopes. We love your sense of humour too. Good luck to you and your family - we will miss you so much and your windmill arms! xx
Mr
What a sad end to a magnificent career. It has been our privilege to watch you over the years and with due respect to the rest of our team you are irreplaceable. Enjoy your retirement but please stay in touch with Sussex CCC in some way or another.
Mr
We will never forget you.
SPIN KING
I never thought that I would ever see the oldest County Cricket Club win 3 Championships , and MUSHY'S contribution in that has been remarkable and given his all to us. Also he speaks so fondly of Sussex as his family, it just emphasises what a great man he really is. And to lose him is disappointing to say the least, but he has probably bowled a lifetimes worth of overs for us in 6 years, so needs a rest. So all the best to you MUSHY you're a top guy, and a fantastic cricketer, one of the best ANDY
Mr
A great player, if not the GREATEST to pull on a Sussex shirt, a great friend to Sussex, a brilliant player to watch - You will be missed by everyone who has ever seen you play or been in your presence. But most of all, a perfect gentleman, not only in sport, but in life. I hope you have a great future,and find time to come back whenever you can, the ground will not seem the same without you
Mr
Thanks for the memories from someone unable to watch you play as much as I would like to have done. Hope that you will remain associated in some way with Sussex Cricket.
Thank you
Just that, thank you Mushie. Thank you for the wickets, the wisdom, the entertainment, the Championships, but most of all thanks for being a truly great person. We'll miss all of it.
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