Andrew Poynter calls it a day

Ireland batsman Andrew Poynter has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 29-year old also announced his retirement from both international and inter-provincial cricket, a move that will see him effectively relinquish his cricketing career as a whole. Poynter was a part of the Irish side that took part in the World T20 in India earlier this year.

Poynter’s career began shortly after the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies. Since his debut in 2008, Poynter featured in 19 ODIs and 19 T20Is in an international career spanning almost 8 years. He scored a combined 474 runs and three half-centuries, averaging 19.61 in ODIs and 19.90 in T20Is. He featured in two World T20 matches in the group stages of the World T20 while his brother Stuart, a wicketkeeper-batsman, was also part of the World T20 squad in 2016.

“I have always found it tough to manage an international and inter-provincial cricket career whilst having to juggle running my own business, AP Sports,” Poynter said. “I’m head of youth coaching at Clontarf CC and have other coaching roles as well as a young family.

“I feel that I can still perform at the inter-provincial level and scored runs this season, but I do not want to stand in someone’s way who has a dream of playing for Leinster Lightning and Ireland.

“I am looking forward to developing my coaching career – I have nearly finished my level three award and [am] keen to move to level four in the near future. But most of all spending more time with my family with a bit less stress.

“I am so proud of my achievements in an Irish jersey, especially captaining my country and playing in two World Cups. I’ll miss the green jersey but this is the right decision for me. I’d like to thank all involved in giving me the opportunity to pursue my dream.”