England pacer David Willey has announced retirement from all forms of international cricket on November 1, 2023. He said so in a social media post and added that the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 is his last assignment for the England team.
The seamer was a part of England's transition in white-ball cricket and was the highest wicket-taker for England in the 2016 T20 World Cup in India. He was also in the provisional England squad for 2019 World Cup, but was brutally dropped to accommodate Jofra Archer.
The 33-year-old pacer has decided to call time on his international career following the ECB's decision not to offer him a central contract for the 2023-24 cycle. Willey was the only member of England's 2023 World Cup squad who did not feature in the list of 26 central contracts announced in Bangalore last week.
Willey has been a shining light in England’s dismal ICC World Cup 2023 campaign with five wickets at 27.20 and hitting 42 runs. England has lost 5 out of the six matches they have played thus far.
"I never wanted this day to come. From a young boy, I've only ever dreamed of playing cricket for England. So, with careful thought and consideration, it is with great regret that I feel the time has come for me to retire from all forms of International cricket at the end of the World Cup.
I have worn the shirt with immense pride and given my absolute everything to the badge on my chest. I've been very lucky to be a part of such an incredible white ball team with some of the best players in the world. I've made some special memories and great friends along the way and been through some very difficult times," Willey wrote in his social media post.
Willey said that he will continue to give "my everything and more" in England's final three group games against Australia, Netherlands and Pakistan.
"I feel I still have a lot more to give on and off the field while I am still playing my best cricket, and my decision has nothing to do with our performance during the World Cup," he said.
Willey will continue to play short-form cricket at home and around the world. He captained Northamptonshire in the T20 Blast last year and represented Welsh Fire in the Hundred.
He is due to play for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20 in January. He may also be retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of next year's IPL.
He has so far claimed 94 wickets in 70 ODIs, and a further 51 in 43 T20Is, the last of which came at Canberra in October 2022.
