New Delhi: Ireland’s most popular cricketer Kevin O’Brien has announced his retirement from international cricket. This announcement has put an end to a 15-year prolific career as he retires as his country’s most capped player across formats. Kevin had already retired from the ODIs last year. The batter shared a note of gratitude and made the announcement on Twitter.
Thanks ☘️ pic.twitter.com/E4335nE8ls
— Kevin O’Brien (@KevinOBrien113) August 16, 2022
In the note, he shared that he was looking forward to playing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia, but as the selectors did not pick him in the squad, the cricketer went on to make the announcement. He thanked his coaches Adi Birrell, Phil Simmons and Brian O’Rourke. Along with his parents and wife, Ruth-Anne, he also thanked his brother and teammate Niall O’Brien.
He also mentioned that he is looking forward to his career as a coach now and he will be focusing on his coaching academy. “I also want to continue to gain coaching experience overseas and hopefully will have more opportunities with some international and professional sides in the near future,” he added.
While playing for his side on the international stage, he has made various records and has played some remarkable innings. The cricketer made his debut in 2006 against England and since then he has been a regular in the side. He has played a total of 153 ODIs, 110 T20Is and three Tests for Ireland. His top moment came when he scored a 63-ball 113 against England in the 2011 ODI World Cup in Bengaluru and led Ireland to a three-wicket win in the last over. He still holds the record for the fastest hundred in the men’s World Cup.
Though he did not have a great 2021 in the T20Is, he has scored a total of 1973 runs at a strike rate of 130.92. With 3619 runs and 114 wickets in ODIs and 258 runs with the only century by an Irishman in Tests, Kevin O’Brien said goodbye to the international arena.
