Keith Barker hangs up his boots after 17-year cricket journey from professional cricket

Warwickshire and former Hampshire all-rounder Keith Barker has announced his immediate retirement from professional cricket, ending a 17-season career.

Return to Edgbaston: The 39-year-old returned to Warwickshire on a 12-month deal for the 2026 season, finishing his career where it began in 2009 after spending seven years with Hampshire. Knee Injury: A persistent knee complaint restricted Barker to just two County Championship appearances this summer, with his final appearance coming against Yorkshire at Scarborough in June.

Dual-Sport Background: Before transitioning to cricket, Barker was a talented professional footballer. He came through Blackburn Rovers' academy as a striker and represented England at the Under-20 level. Championship Success: The left-arm seamer and left-handed batter played a key role in two Championship-winning campaigns for Warwickshire. His best match bowling performance of 11 for 70 came against Durham in 2012, and his best innings figures of 7 for 46 came against Nottinghamshire in 2021.

The incident was described by Warwickshire as an "administrative error", with Barker having been prescribed a like-for-like alternative for a long-standing medical condition, and the National Anti-Doping Panel found that he had not been seeking a competitive advantage.

"I'd also like to give a special thank you to the PCA for the support they've given me throughout my career, particularly over the last few years," Barker added, in recognition of that incident. "Their support has meant a huge amount to me and is something I'll always be grateful for."