‘I am tired’ – 3 cricketers who retired early from international cricket
Warwickshire wicketkeeper-batter Michael Burgess retired from professional cricket in November 2024. His decision was sudden, but not necessarily unique.
“It’s been a very difficult decision. I know it will come as a surprise to many people around the club. But I’ve decided the time is right to step away from the game and pursue other opportunities,” said Burgess.
Others have made similar decisions – at domestic and international level. Here, we recall a few players who ended their professional careers relatively early.
Zafar Ansari
Zafar Ansari ended a promising start to his international career when he retired from the game.
He ended with three Test matches and one ODI. This tally could have been significantly higher.
“I have always been clear that when the time was right for me to move on I would, and that time has now come. 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 fulfill,” the 25-year-old Ansari said at the time.
“With that in mind, I am now exploring another career, potentially in law, and to achieve this, I have to begin the process now.”
James Taylor
James Taylor retired from international cricket as a 26-year-old.
A serious heart condition effectively forced him to come to this decision. His seven Tests and 27 ODIs for England could have been so many more.
“It is both shocking and saddening to hear that James’ career has been cut short in such a sudden and unexpected manner,” said England team director Andrew Strauss at the time.
“Throughout his career, he has constantly impressed with his determination to make the absolute most of his ability, and it is immensely cruel that such a hard working player will be unable to fulfil his great potential in the international arena.”
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AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers was 34 years old at the time of his retirement from international cricket, but many fans and critics had expected him to play for longer.
He also copped plenty of criticism for continuing to play domestic T20 cricket around the world instead of turning out for his country, South Africa, in international competition.
“I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect. After 114 Test matches, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is, it is time for others to take over. I have had my turn, and to be honest, I am tired,” said de Villiers in 2018.
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