After ECB's central contract snub, David Willey announces retirement from international cricket

All-rounder David Willey has so far represented England in 70 ODIs and 43 T20Is.

England all-rounder David Willey has announced his retirement from international cricket after the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. Defending champions England have been struggling in their campaign in the World Cup where they are currently languishing at the bottom with just two points after six league games. David Willey will be bidding goodbye to international cricket after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) didn’t offer him a central contract for the 2023-24 cycle. 

Willey not part of central contract list

David Willey did not find a place in England’s newly announced central contracts for the next cycle. ECB announced a few changes as well in their one-year cycle central contract. David Willey was the only member of the World Cup squad whose name was missing from the contract list. Willey announced his retirement from international cricket after the World Cup 2023 in India. 

In a statement released by ECB, David Willey was quoted as, “I never wanted this day to come. From a young boy, I’ve only ever dreamed of playing cricket for England. With careful consideration, it is with great regret that I feel the time has come for me to retire from all formats of international cricket at the end of the World Cup.” Willey has played three games in the ongoing World Cup 2023 and picked up five wickets. 

David Willey further said, “I have worn the shirt with immense pride and given my absolute all to the badge on my chest. I am sure everybody who knows me does not doubt that, whatever my involvement in the remainder of this campaign, I will give my everything and more. That’s the only way I know.” Willey was not part of England’s opening playing XI in the tournament but management did make a change and brought him into the action after initial failure. 

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David Willey made his international debut in ODI format against Ireland in May 2015. So far, he has played 70 ODIs and 43 T20Is in his international cricket career and picked up 94 ODI wickets and 51 T20I wickets. David Willey made his T20I debut against New Zealand at Old Trafford in Manchester in June 2015.

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