Simi Singh announces retirement from professional cricket

Simi Singh, an all-rounder from Ireland, has announced that he will no longer play professional cricket at the age of 39.

After making his debut for Ireland in a match against New Zealand, Simi, who made the move from India to Ireland in 2006, played 88 times for Ireland (35 ODIs, 53 T20Is) between 2017 and 2022. He took 83 wickets in both formats and became the first player to score a century in an ODI from No. 1 in 2021, scoring an unbeaten 100 against South Africa. 8.

He was named to the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year in 2021 and was a member of Ireland's team that competed in the T20 World Cup in 2022.

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...

He probably won his first cap when he was 29 years old. Simi was always motivated to make the most of his opportunities, and his 90-cap career shows that he did just 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.”