DUBLIN: Ireland legend Kevin O’Brien on Tuesday announced his retirement from international cricket. The Irish all-rounder, who made his debut in June 2006, took to social media to announce the end of his 16-year career. In his twitter post O’brien said that he had hoped to retire after playing in the upcoming T20 World Cup, but lack of opportunities forced him to make the decision.
O’Brien last appeared for Ireland in the T20 World Cup in the UAE in 2021. He played 3 Tests, 153 ODIs, and 110 T20Is for Ireland, scoring 5,850 runs and taking 172 wickets. The 38-year-old is currently the third highest run-scorer for Ireland in international cricket.
“Today I announce my retirement from international cricket after 16 years and 389 caps for my country. I had hoped to finish my career at the T20 World Cup in Australia but having not been picked for the Irish squad since last year’s World Cup, I feel that the selectors and management are looking elsewhere,” said O’Brien in a statement on Twitter.
“I have enjoyed every minute playing for Ireland, made many friends on the pitch and I have so many happy memories to remember from my time playing for the National side,” he added.
O’Brien played a crucial role in Ireland’s historic victory, beating England’s 328-run target set in the 2011 World Cup. He scored 113 runs in 63 balls and still holds the record for the fastest ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup century.