Ex-Ireland international Singh announces retirement

Former Ireland international Simi Singh has announced his retirement from professional cricket.

The 39-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder moved to Ireland from India at the age of 19 in 2006, making his Ireland debut against New Zealand in May 2017.

Singh would go on to represent Ireland 90 times up until 2022 and would hold the world record of scoring a century when coming in at number eight during Ireland's one-day international against South Africa in Malahide, earning him a place on the 2021 men's ODI team of the year.

With ball in hand, his best return was 5-10 against UAE in Abu Dhabi.

He finished his career with 85 wickets across ODI - including 39 wickets in 34 matches with an economy rate of 3.99.

In T20 formats, adding leg spin late in his career to extend his international career led to him playing in each of Ireland's four group stage games at the 2022 T20 World Cup.

"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," Singh said.

"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."

Singh added: "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.

"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."

In 2024, Singh underwent a successful liver transplant to save his life but is now in good health following a lengthy period of recovery.

"When you look back at the sacrifices Simi made in chasing his dream, you can only but admire the career he made for himself in Ireland", said Ireland head coach Gary Wilson, a former team-mate of Singh.

"Playing with Simi many times over those years it was clear what playing for Ireland meant to him. Simi loved the big occasion - no more so than his debut at Malahide."

Wilson added: "We were all shocked when we learned of Simi's illness and his fight for his life – but equally, we are all pleased that he is in a much better place today and looking forward to what's next post-playing career.

"I wish Simi well with the next steps in life. Simi can be proud of the career he had and the role he played in Irish cricket - and he will be welcomed back warmly by the senior squad when next we see him."