The Surrey all-rounder, just 25, has quit to take up a career in law.
Ansari, a left-arm spinner, made his debut for England against Bangladesh in October, before playing two games against India in the 4-0 defeat.
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| Zafar Ansari, today announced his retirement from cricket. |
He had initially been called up to England's Test squad for the series against Pakistan in the UAE in late 2015 but broke his thumb just hours after the announcement.
In a statement he said: "After seven years as a professional cricketer and almost two decades in total playing, I have decided to bring my cricket career to an end. "This has been a very difficult decision to make and I have not made it lightly. I started playing for Surrey at the age of 8 and the club has been a hugely important part of my life since then. Surrey have always completely supported me and I am extremely grateful to the club for their backing over the years. It is, therefore, with great sadness that I say goodbye.
Adding: "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."
"I will look back extremely fondly on playing with some wonderful teams and having the opportunity to perform in front of the best crowds in county cricket at the Kia Oval. Equally, to have played three Test matches for England was a huge honour and it is something I will undoubtedly savour for the rest of my life. Most of all, I will miss the people with whom I have shared my career and I cherish the relationships that I've formed along the way.
"I would like to thank Surrey and its fans for the way they have supported and encouraged me over the last 17 years. I am now looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life, but I know that Surrey will always feel like a home to me."
He ends his career with over 3000 first class runs and 128 wickets taking best figures of 6-30.
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