Eoin Morgan RETIRES from all forms of cricket after leaving his role as England captain last summer

Former England captain Eoin Morgan confirmed his retirement from professional cricket on Monday.

The World Cup winning skipper left England’s white-ball side last June and handed the armband over to Jos Buttler, who went on to lift the T20 World Cup in Australia three months ago.

Now, Morgan has released a statement on social media to confirm his full-time retirement from the game.

Despite leaving both international and franchise cricket, Morgan has vowed to stay ‘involved in the game’ as a commentator and pundit.

The 36-year-old said on Twitter: ‘It is with great pride that I am announcing my retirement from all forms of cricket. After much deliberation, I believe that now is the right time to step away from the game that has given me so much over the years.

Former England captain Eoin Morgan has confirmed his retirement from professional cricket

‘From moving to England in 2005 to join Middlesex, right up to the very end, playing for Paarl Royals in SA20, I have cherished every moment.

‘As there are in every sportsperson’s career, there have been highs and lows, by my family and friends have been by my side throughout it all. I would like to say a particularly special thank you to my wife, Tara, my family and close friends who have supported me unconditionally.

‘I must also thank my teammates, coaches, fans and those behind the scenes who not only made me the player I became but have also made me the man I am today. Thanks to cricket, I have been able to travel the world and meet incredible people, many of whom I have developed lifelong friendships with.

‘Playing for franchise teams across the globe has given me so many memories that I will hold on to forever.

‘Since my retirement from international cricket, I have been able to spend more time with loved ones, and I looked forward to being able to do so more and more in the future. Having said that, I will undoubtedly miss the adventure and challenges of playing professional cricket.

‘Although I am calling time on my playing career, I will still be involved in the game, working alongside broadcasters at international and franchise tournaments as a commentator and pundit. I am sincerely looking forward to what the future holds.’

Revolutionising England’s white-ball side as captain, Morgan led his country to World Cup glory in 2019, establishing a fearless and aggressive approach to batting.

England subsequently topped the one-day and Twenty20 rankings during his time as captain, blazing the trail for other nations to adopt a more attacking style in major tournaments.

The World Cup winner signed off his playing career with a heartfelt message on social media

Morgan’s ethos was still very much instilled within Buttler’s T20 World Cup winning side last year, and England have even adopted the assertive approach in their red-ball team, led by Test captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.  

England Cricket honoured Morgan’s retirement with a tribute on social media, describing the batter as their best ever white-ball captain.

Their tweet read: ‘ODI World Cup winner. T20 World Cup winner. CBE for services to cricket. Or greatest EVER white-ball captain! Thank you Morgs.’ 

More to follow.