Last from Ireland’s golden generation of players that brought the country on the world cricket map in multiple World Cups, William Porterfield announced his retirement from all international and representative cricket with immediate effect.
The 37-year-old ends his playing career with Ireland as their second-highest ODI run-getter in a journey that began way back in 2006. He stands only behind Kevin ‘O Brien in the list of 50-over run-scorers for Ireland men’s side and also in the most capped players’ list in the format.
In one of the longest stints any player has had as captain of his nation, Porterfield led his national side in 172 out of the 212 of his games at the highest level, including their all three Tests so far and most recent ODI World Cup appearances in 2011 and 2015 in India and Australia/New Zealand, respectively.
Overall, the stoic left-hand batter played three Tests, 148 ODIs and 61 T20Is for Ireland, scoring nearly 6,000 international runs, featuring a few major contributions at World Cups.
Like his 85 in the 2007 edition in the Caribbean in a victory over Bangladesh, and a hundred in a fighting loss in the 2015 World Cup versus Pakistan. In total, Porterfield made 11 ODI hundreds and 20 half-centuries.
“It’s been an honour to represent my country for 16 years – it’s something I had always wanted to do since I was a child.
I have to say, though, it’s a little surreal at the moment having made the decision to step away and retire, but I’ve been fortunate to play since 2006 and it’s been an incredible journey,”
he was quoted as saying by Cricket Ireland.
Porterfield mentioned his greatest delight is seeing Ireland’s ascent from a team of amateurs to one with the Test-playing status. He said he takes pride in playing his part in that journey and is hopefully leaving Irish cricket in a better space than when he started.
The veteran now turns his eyes to coaching after signing with English county club Gloucestershire. It will be a return to the club for Porterfield, who started his county playing career with it.
