Former English batsman Gary Ballance has announced his retirement from all forms of Cricket. Yorkshire released Ballance from his contract in December after the Zimbabwe-born player stayed out for an year to deal with mental health issues.
Ballance took retirement four months after leaving Yorkshire following the racism scandal involving Azeem Rafiq.
Ballance admitted in 2021 that he used racist language against former team mate Rafiq. He also apologized in person to Rafiq.
“After much thought, I have decided to retire from all forms of professional cricket with immediate effect,” Ballance said in a statement released by the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
“I had hoped my move to Zimbabwe would provide me with a new-found happiness for the game and I will always be thankful to Zimbabwe Cricket for providing me with an opportunity to return to international cricket and welcoming me into their team.
“However, I have reached the stage where I no longer have the desire to dedicate myself to the rigours of professional sport and this would do Zimbabwe Cricket and the game itself a disservice, should I carry on.”
Ballance’s final Test appearance came for Zimbabwe against West Indies in February.