Ireland all-rounder Kevin O'Brien announced retirement from the international game on Tuesday citing selectors' intention to not pick him for the upcoming T20 World Cricket, where he wished to represent the nation last. While announcing his decision, O'Brien claimed that he had hoped to finish his career at the T20 World Cup in Australia but having not been picked for the Irish squad since the last year's World Cup, he realized that selectors and management might be looking elsewhere.
Remembered for his unprecedented blitz knock against England during the 2011 ICC World Cup in India, which helped the Irishman to cause one of the biggest upsets in 50-over format, Kevin O'Brien amassed 5850 runs in international cricket, also picking up 172 wickets.
"Today I announced my retirement from international cricket after 16-years and 389 caps for my country. "I had hoped to finish my career at the T20 World Cup in Australia but having not been picked for the Irish squad since last year's World Cup, I feel that the selectors and management are looking elsewhere," he wrote in his statement.
"I have so many fond memories to remember from my time playing for the National side. Its now onto the next stage of my life and my career for me, the time is right," he added. "O'Brien further revealed that he wants to grow his own Coaching Academy in Ireland and have some exciting opportunities coming up in the near future," he said.
The Irish all-rounder further expressed his wish to be part of the coaching set-up overseas and hoping to get more opportunities with some international and professional sides in the near future. Kevin O'Brien's finest knock came in Bengaluru when he stunned mighty England in 2011 World Cup game by scoring blitz century off just 50 balls, which still remains the fastest ever century in World Cups. His knock helped Ireland to chase down 328-run target and register a landmark victory.