Ireland's Kevin O'Brien announces retirement from international cricket

RETIRING: Kevin O'Brien of Ireland celebrates after scoring a century during day four of the International Cricket Test match between Ireland and Pakistan at Malahide, in Co. Dublin. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Ireland's Kevin O'Brien has announced his retirement from international cricket.

The 38-year-old retires as Ireland's most capped international, having appeared for his country in all three formats of the game, including being involved in Ireland's only three Test matches to date.

He is one of only 20 international cricketers in the history of the sport (men and women) to have registered an international century in all three formats of the game.

O'Brien, whose older brother Niall retired from international cricket in 2018, made his international debut in 2006.

His retirement also ends the last remaining link with the Ireland team who famously beat Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup to announce Ireland on the world stage.

His most memorable moment on the international scene came in the 2011 World Cup win over England. O'Brien scored 113 off just 63 deliveries, and he made individual history as he raced to his hundred off just 50 balls, the fastest-ever in a World Cup.

“Today I announce my retirement from international cricket after 16 years and 389 caps for my country,” 38-year-old all-rounder O’Brien began in a statement released on social media.

“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.

“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.

Thanks ☘️ pic.twitter.com/E4335nE8ls

— Kevin O'Brien (@KevinOBrien113) August 16, 2022

"To the fans, not just in Ireland but around the world, I hope you enjoyed the way I played the game. All of my proudest moments and favourite memories were playing in front of Irish fans whether in Ireland or overseas, so thank you for the incredible support over the years.

“It’s now onto the next stage of my life and my career for me, the time is right.

“I want to continue to grow my own coaching academy here in Ireland and I have some exciting opportunities coming up in the near future.

“I also want to continue to gain coaching experience overseas and hopefully will have more opportunities with some international and professional sides in the near future.

“For now, thank you.”

Andrew Balbirnie, Ireland Men’s captain, said: “I was very lucky to play with not only one of Ireland’s greatest sportspeople, but also a very good friend who was always there to support me from my first cap to when I became captain. 

"Cricket in this country owes a lot to what Kev achieved on and off the field and has left the game in a better place. Everyone in the team wishes nothing but the best going forward for Kev in his coaching career.” 

Andrew White, Chair of National Men’s Selectors, said: “It’s hard to put into words the impact that Kevin has had on our game in Ireland. Through all the amazing and defining moments over the last 16 years he played an integral part and on plenty of occasions…the lead role!

“Getting us over the line with Trent in Jamaica in 2007 often gets overlooked in the list of his great moments, but as we know it paved the way. Much will be said about Bangalore and his Test Match hundred against Pakistan…and so it should - but again words will struggle to do it justice. They are etched in the history books forever. It was fitting that Kevin was part of the Ireland team that played in the Test Match at Lord’s against England in 2019.

“To represent your country more times than anyone else has, in any sport, is testament to his ability, his dedication and his will to win. I know I speak for teammates down the years, that we were always glad he was in our trench and I wish Kevin and his family every success moving forward.” 

Richard Holdsworth, High Performance Director for Cricket Ireland, said: “When I think about Kevin, I think leadership, commitment and endurance. Even from an early stage in his international career, Kevin displayed a measured yet calm confidence in his game. As his career and experiences progressed, he became a leader on and off the field, mentoring younger players and being a great source of advice and insight for management.

“I’ve been fortunate to be able to have been there and watched some of Kevin’s best moments in an Irish shirt – undoubtedly he will get the plaudits for the best known innings that we all celebrated, but it was often the little moments, the great catch, the timely wicket or the vital runs or partnerships that made him the complete team player and marks him as a true great of Irish cricket.

“I wish Kevin well in his coaching career – if he is even half as impactful in coaching as he was in playing, he will make a great success of the next chapter in his life.”