Cricketers Who Were Forced To Retire Too Soon

Promising Australian cricketer Will Pucovksi’s career came to an early end due to medical reasons. The 26-year-old Pucovski will retire from all forms of cricket on the basis of recommendations made by a panel of medical experts.

As per reports, Pucovski has suffered a series of head injuries which has led to concussions. Let’s have a look at some of the cricketers across the globe who were forced for early retirements due to different reasons…

Barney Gibson

Gibson was the youngest ever first-class player in the history of English county cricket. The wicketkeeper-batsman retired from the game just at the age of 19. He retired in 2015 to pursue other career opportunities.

Kevin Pietersen

The South African-born former England player’s international career was brought to a premature end in 2014 at the age of 33. Pietersen was a major casualty of the upheaval in English cricket following their disastrous 2013-14 Ashes whitewash. His controversial career ended as he was never selected in the England team again.

James Taylor

Taylor was forced to retire in April 2016 just at the age of 26. After a serious health scare at a training session, the batter was diagnosed with a heart condition. He couldn’t play cricket after that. 

Simon Cook

Australian pacer Cook retired from the game in 2004 at the age of 32 due to a string of serious injuries. Due to two broken ankles and back problem, he was forced into an early exit.

Beau Casson

Australian spinner Casson was forced to retire just at the age of 28 due to the effects of a long-term heart condition. Doctors warned the spinner that his life could be at risk if he continued playing. He was forced to call time on his career in 2011.

Craig Kieswetter

Player of the final at the 2010 World T20, Kieswetter looked destined for big things after leading England to their first-ever global trophy. However, he retired in 2015 just at the age of 27 due to serious facial injuries when he was struck by a bouncer.

Mark Boucher

Aggressive South African wicketkeeper-batsman Boucher’s career was cut short when he suffered a serious eye injury early on South Africa’s tour of England in 2012. He was struck by a flying bail in a warm-up match. Subsequently, he confirmed his early exit from the game. 

Zafar Ansari

English all-rounder Zafar Ansari shocked English cricket when he announced his retirement just at the age of 25. The slow left-arm orthodox bowler and left-hand batter wanted to pursue other opportunities. He was contemplating a career in law.