NEW DELHI, April 19 (IANS) Former England international Gary Palance, who recently returned to play for Zimbabwe, announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket on Wednesday.
Ballance signed a two-year deal with Zimbabwe Cricket Board in late 2022 and has played five ODIs, one T20I and one Test for them since his return. However, he announced his decision to retire from all forms of cricket.
“After much consideration, I have decided to retire from all forms of professional cricket with immediate effect,” the 33-year-old said in a statement released by the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
“I had hoped my move to Zimbabwe would give me a newfound joy of the game and I will always be grateful to Zimbabwe Cricket for giving me a chance to return to international cricket and for welcoming me into their team.
However, I have reached the point where I no longer have the desire to devote myself to the rigors of professional sport, and this would do Zimbabwean harm to cricket and the game itself, if I continued. I wish them every success moving forward.”
Ballance made 42 appearances for England across all three formats, averaging 37.45 in his 23 Test matches between 2014 and 2017. He reached his hundred for Zimbabwe in his only Test appearance for them in February against the West Indies.
The cricketer became eligible to play for Zimbabwe in 2021, and in December 2022 he revealed that he had made himself fit to play for Zimbabwe.
“The opportunity to represent Zimbabwe has given me new passion and excitement for the game,” said Ballance.
The left-hander became only the second player after Keppler-Wessels to achieve Test centuries for two different countries when he hit Zimbabwe’s only Test century earlier this year.
He missed the second Test of the series with a migraine.
“I’ve been fortunate to have some memorable moments in cricket, winning the County Championship with Yorkshire and having the honor of representing England and Zimbabwe,” said Ballance.
“I would like to thank all the clubs, coaches, support staff, teammates and supporters for their guidance and encouragement during my career, it has been a privilege. It is now time to move on to the next chapter of my life.”
– Jans
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