Niall O'Brien announces retirement from international cricket

A spectacular innings of 72 runs against Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup is one of Neil's most memorable innings. His innings showed Pakistan the way out of the tournament. After this, Neil started wearing 72 number jerseys

Ireland wicketkeeper-batsman Niall O'Brien announced his retirement from International cricket across all formats of the game on Friday, October 12. The 36-year-old Neil who debuted in ODI against Denmark in 2002 has finally decided to say goodbye to cricket after 16 years. Brien is Ireland's most successful wicket-keeper and so far has claimed 241 wickets while doing so. Neil was part of the team in this year's Ireland’s debut Test match against Pakistan.

Neil played 1 Test, 103 ODIs and 30 T20 Internationals for Ireland, in which he scored 18, 2581 and 466. In ODIs he has scored one century and 18 half-centuries.

Thank you so much for the past 16 years everyone. Been a absolute privilege. ☘️ https://t.co/HaJoTYMctZ

— Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) October 12, 2018

"It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my retirement from international and professional cricket," he told Cricbuzz. "I have been blessed to have been lucky enough to have represented my country for 16 years with plenty more ups than downs and for this I look back with nothing but smiles and laughter.

"I would like to thank all my coaches and teammates who along the way have helped me become the player I was. I have had too many coaches to mention them all but special thanks must go to Adrian "Adi" Birrell who took a chance on me in 2002 and who arranged a trial at Kent from where I started my 14-year county career which was an absolute privilege and an honour."

A spectacular innings of 72 runs against Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup is one of Neil's most memorable innings. His innings showed Pakistan the way out of the tournament. After this, Neil started wearing 72 number jerseys.

Neil's younger brother Kevin O'Brien also plays for Ireland.