Ireland all-rounder Simi Singh has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 39.
Simi, who moved from India to Ireland in 2006, represented Ireland 88 (35 ODIs, 53 T20Is) times between 2017 and 2022 after making his international debut against New Zealand. He took 83 wickets across the two formats and also scored an unbeaten 100 against South Africa in 2021, becoming the first player to score an ODI century from No. 8.
He was part of Ireland’s squad at the 2022 T20 World Cup and was named in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year in 2021.
Simi was forced to step away from cricket after falling seriously ill in 2024 and undergoing a successful liver transplant. He has since made a full recovery and has now formally brought his playing career to an end.
“I came to Ireland as a 19-year-old with a dream of playing international cricket, and looking back, the journey has been nothing short of surreal,” Singh said. “I’m incredibly grateful to Ireland and to everyone who supported, believed in, and helped me along the way. None of this would have been possible without the love and support of my family, who stood by me through every step of the journey.”
Responding to the announcement, current Ireland head coach Gary Wilson said: “When you look back at the sacrifices Simi made in chasing his dream, you can only but admire the career he made for himself in Ireland. Playing with Simi many times over those years it was clear what playing for Ireland meant to him. I think that with his debut coming well into his career…
“I think he was 29 when he got his first cap. Simi always had that drive to make the most of his opportunity, to which a 90-cap career indicates that he delivered on that.
“We were all shocked when we learned of Simi’s illness and his fight for his life – but equally, we are all pleased that he is in a much better place today and looking forward to what’s next post-playing career. I wish Simi well with the next steps in life. Simi can be proud of the career he had and the role he played in Irish cricket – and he will be welcomed back warmly by the senior squad when next we see him.”
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