Ireland's Simi Singh announces retirement from international cricket

Ireland all-rounder Simi Singh announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, September 30. Singh was born in Punjab, India and moved to Ireland in 2006. He made his international debut at the age of 30 in May 2017 during an ODI against New Zealand.

He represented Ireland in 35 ODIs and 53 T20Is, scoring 2236 runs and taking 83 wickets in total. During his playing career, Singh boasted a phenomenal economy rate of 3.99 in ODIs. His last international appearance came during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

Singh called his journey to international cricket surreal and thanked his family for their support throughout his career.

"I came to Ireland as a 19-year-old with a dream of playing international cricket, and looking back, the journey has been nothing short of surreal. I'm incredibly grateful to Ireland and to everyone who supported, believed in, and helped me along the way. None of this would have been possible without the love and support of my family, who stood by me through every step of the journey,” Simi Singh said in a statement.

He also thanked former coach Alan Lewis for playing an important role in both personal and professional life.

"A special thank you to Alan Lewis, who played such an important role in both my professional and personal life, especially during my YMCA days. I'll always be grateful for his guidance and support. Additionally, an exceptional coach can make a real difference to a player, and for me, Graham Ford was that coach. He was vital to my career and achievements,” he added.

Singh had his best year in 2021, when he began with a 54 not out and 5/10 against UAE in an ODI in Abu Dhabi. A few months later, he scripted history, becoming the first batter in ODI cricket to score a hundred from No. 8 against South Africa in Malahide, which helped him become a part of the ICC's ODI Team of the Year as well.

In 2024, Singh had acute liver failure and underwent a transplant surgery. After recovery, he started his coaching academy in Punjab.

"Ireland will always have a special place in my heart. I'll forever be a proud supporter of Irish cricket, and I wish the next generation every success in achieving great things. Thank you, Ireland,” said Simi Singh.