Credit: Zimbabwe Cricket
Gary Ballance, the former England cricketer has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket with immediate effect, just months after making his triumphant return to his country of birth, Zimbabwe. He had signed a 2-year deal with Zimbabwe Cricket in December 2022 after getting released from his Yorkshire County Cricket Club contract.
In a statement released by the Professional Cricketers’ Association on behalf of Gary Ballance, the cricketer stated his decision to take retirement, “After much thought, I have decided to retire from all forms of professional cricket with immediate effect.”
The 33-year old cricketer thanked Zimbabwe Cricket for giving him the platform to play at the international level after all these years. He said, “I had hoped my move to Zimbabwe would provide me with a new-found happiness for the game and I will always be thankful to Zimbabwe Cricket for providing me with an opportunity to return to international cricket and welcoming me into their team.”
Gary Ballance also shared his thoughts about how he came to his decision to retire from cricket, “However, I have reached the stage where I no longer have the desire to dedicate myself to the rigours of professional sport and this would do Zimbabwe Cricket and the game itself a disservice, should I carry on. I wish them every success going forward.”
Furthermore, Ballance looked back at some of the finest achievements in his cricketing career and what’s next. He said, “I have been fortunate to have some incredibly memorable moments in cricket, winning County Championships with Yorkshire and gaining the ultimate honour of representing England and Zimbabwe. I want to thank all of my clubs, coaches, support staff, teammates and supporters for their guidance and encouragement over my career, it has been a privilege.”
“It is now time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life. I will be making no further comments on my decision at this time.”
During his short tenure with the Zimbabwe Cricket Team, Gary Ballance played one Test, five ODIs, and one T20I. In his final test match against West Indies, he went on to score 137 not out off 231 balls to help Zimbabwe draw the test match at Bulawayo.