England seamer David Willey has announced his retirement in the middle of the World Cup 2023. Willey said in his social media post that he will retire from all forms of international cricket at the end of the ongoing World Cup 2023 in India.
Willey bid adieu to international cricket at the age of 33.
Willey’s retirement at this age doesn’t come as a surprise. The left-arm seamer was not given a central contract by the ECB for the 2023-24 cycle, which the board announced a few days ago. Willey was the only player in the 15-man squad currently in India who did not get named in the central contract list of 26 players.
He can now take part in franchise and T20 leagues around the world.
Defending champions England have won just 1 out of 6 matches in the World Cupp 2023 and sit at the bottom of the points table, in threat of missing qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy; top 7 teams in this World Cup and hosts Pakistan will qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Against India, David Willey produced one of the best individual performances by an England player in this tournament so far, taking three wickets for 45 runs, even as England lost by a big margin. Willey has taken 5 wickets in 3 matches in the World Cup 2023 so far and scored 42 runs in 3 knocks while being dismissed only once.
Willey had made his England debut in 2015. So far, he’s featured in 70 ODIs and 43 T20Is, taking 145 wickets in all. He was part of the squad last year that won the T20 World Cup in Australia.
World Cup 2023: David Willey retirement statement
“I never wanted this day to come,” Willey wrote in a post on Instagram. “From a young boy, I’ve only ever dreamed of playing cricket for England. So, with careful thought and consideration, it is with great regret that I feel the time has come for me to retire from all forms of international cricket at the end of the World Cup.
“I have worn the shirt with immense pride and given my absolute everything to the badge on my chest. I’ve been very lucky to be a part of such an incredible white ball team with some of the best players in the world. I’ve made some special memories and great friends along the way and been through some very difficult times.
“To my wife, two children, mum and dad, I wouldn’t have been able to follow my dreams without your sacrifice and unwavering support throughout. Thank you for sharing the special memories and picking up the pieces when I’ve fallen apart – I’m eternally grateful.”
“I feel I still have a lot more to give on and off the field while I am still playing my best cricket, and my decision has nothing to do with our performance during the World Cup.
“I’m sure everybody who knows me does not doubt that, whatever my involvement in the remainder of this campaign, I will give my everything and more. That’s the only way I know.”
