Ireland’s legendary all-rounder Kevin O’Brien has announced his retirement from ODI cricket. O’Brien, who made his international debut in July 2006, took 3619 runs and 114 wickets in ODI cricket.
“After 15 years playing for Ireland, I feel now is the right time to step away and retire from ODI cricket,” O’Brien said.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to represent my country 153 times and the memories I take from them will last a lifetime. This has not been an easy decision, but after ongoing consideration, I don’t feel I can contribute to the ODI team as much as I have in the past. The hunger and love for the ODI format are no longer the same as it was and it wouldn’t be fair to Andrew, Graham, the team, and our supporters to continue to play while no longer feeling at 100%.
“I’ve had some unbelievable moments with the team since 2006 – the three World Cups, the personal successes and spending time travelling and playing all over the world, but I will now shift my focus and remain fully committed to T20 cricket – with two world cups in the next 18 months – and hoping to add to my three caps in Test cricket.”
“Kevin has played an enormous role in the development of Irish cricket and has delivered regularly on the world stage – particularly in the ODI format,” Graham Ford, Ireland’s head coach said. “It’s been a pleasure to work with him as part of the ODI squad, and he has been a true role model for many teammates over the years.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Kevin in other formats, and while his decision to step away from ODI cricket is sad, he can do so in the knowledge that he leaves an indelible legacy on the ODI game in Ireland and around the world.”
One of O’Brien’s most famous exploits was the record-breaking 113 in the ICC World Cup 2011 against England in Bangalore. That record still stands.
