Gary Ballance retires from cricket in wake of Azeem Rafiq racism scandal

19 April 2023 , 15:41

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Gary Ballance retires from cricket in wake of Azeem Rafiq racism scandal

Former England batter Gary Ballance has announced his retirement, just three months after resuming his international career with Zimbabwe.

Ballance, 33, played 16 Tests and 23 ODIs for England but last featured in 2017 as he battled loss of form, struggles with mental health and damaging accusations in the Yorkshire racism scandal.

He left Headingley last year and signed a two-year deal with his native country, but his return to top-flight cricket was a brief one and he has now walked away with immediate effect.

Ballance scored an unbeaten 137 in his only Test appearance for Zimbabwe - adding to the four he made with England - and also featured in five ODIs and one T20.

Ballance made five Test tons - including four for England

Despite promising returns, Ballance concluded the time was right to leave the game behind.

Ballance set to make Test return for Zimbabwe after Yorkshire racism scandal

In a statement issued via the Professional Cricketers' Association, he said: "After much thought, I have decided to retire from all forms of professional cricket with immediate effect.

“I had hoped my move to Zimbabwe would provide me with a new-found happiness for the game and I will always be thankful to Zimbabwe Cricket for providing me with an opportunity to return to international cricket and welcoming me into their team.

"However, I have reached the stage where I no longer have the desire to dedicate myself to the rigours of professional sport and this would do Zimbabwe Cricket and the game itself a disservice, should I carry on. I wish them every success going forward.

Rafiq (right) and Ballance (left) were team-mates at Yorkshire (Sarah Ansell/Getty Images)

“I have been fortunate to have some incredibly memorable moments in cricket, winning County Championships with Yorkshire and gaining the ultimate honour of representing England and Zimbabwe.

"I want to thank all of my clubs, coaches, support staff, teammates and supporters for their guidance and encouragement over my career, it has been a privilege.

“It is now time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life. I will be making no further comments on my decision at this time.”

Press Association