Former Ireland Men’s spin-bowling all-rounder Simi Singh has today confirmed his retirement from professional cricket.
Singh, 39, was born in Bathlana, India. In 2006, at the age of 19, he moved to Ireland to pursue his dream of playing international cricket and eventually made his debut against New Zealand in May 2017 – becoming the first Irish international of Indian origin.
Over the next five years, Singh went on to represent Ireland 90 times. He held world record having scored an ODI century coming in at number 8 (100* against South Africa at Malahide in 2021) – and his best bowling return was 5-10 against UAE in Abu Dhabi.
In 2021, the ICC named Singh in its Men’s ODI Team of the Year.
He finished his career with 85 wickets across the two white-ball formats. In ODIs specifically, he claimed 39 wickets in 34 matches, with an economy rate of just 3.99.
An aggressive middle-order batter and off-spin bowler, Singh added leg-spin to his repertoire late in his career in a bid to add variety and extend his international involvement. He was part of the Ireland Men’s squad at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022, playing in each of the four First Round Group Stage games in Hobart.
In 2024, Singh fell seriously ill and underwent a successful liver transplant to save his life. After a long recovery period, he is doing well and is as determined as ever to look forward and seek a new path post-playing career. However, he felt that his cricket career needed a official ending, so has announced his professional cricket retirement today.
Simi Singh said:
“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.
“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.
“A special thank you to Alan Lewis, who played such an important role in both my professional and personal life, especially during my YMCA days. I’ll always be grateful for his guidance and support. Additionally, an exceptional coach can make a real difference to a player, and for me, Graham Ford was that coach. He was vital to my career and achievements.
“Ireland will always have a special place in my heart. I’ll forever be a proud supporter of Irish cricket, and I wish the next generation every success in achieving great things. Thank you, Ireland.”
Gary Wilson, current Ireland Men’s head coach and former international teammate of Singh, 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. Simi loved the big occasion – no more so than his debut at Malahide. I think that with his debut coming well into his career – I think he was 29 when he got his first cap – Simi always had that drive to make the most of his opportunity, to which a 90-cap career indicates that he delivered on 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.”
