Ian Bell Retires from Professional Cricket

England has seen numerous cricketers rise to prominence & retire before their 40s, evoking the pain that their sport places onto the body after decades. The most recent cricketer to announce his retirement is Ian Bell, who last competed for England’s National Cricket Team in 2015. Ian Bell played his final match with Islamabad United on March 15th against the Quetta Gladiators, and won’t return to the Pakistan Super League in Fall 2020.

Ian Bell provided his long-time supporters with an official goodbye. He stated that the sentiment of knowing when the time’s right is accurate and that for himself, that time has arrived. He mentioned that his enthusiasm & hunger for professional cricket hasn’t ended, that it’s more vital than ever before. However, Ian Bell noted his body could not sustain the physical demanded need for professional contention & his expectations.

The famous cricketer debuted for the England National Cricket Team in 2004, sustaining an eleven-year career with the squad. This team support five victories over the Ashes Series during Ian’s reign, allowing for the footballers to obtain “Player of the Series” in 2013. Throughout his time with the ENCT, Ian Bell maintained 562 Wickets & averaged a 62.44.

Ian Bell didn’t exclusively play with the England National Cricket Team, competing in multiple ODI Series. He was the leader of Britain’s ODI Squad for years until Eoin Morgan overtook him in 2018. That’d mark the moment when Ian Bell switched over to the Pakistan Super League. His professional career will be remembered for sustaining one of the most elegant forms of playing, which notable cricketers after 2004 have tried to copy.

Ian’s Retirement Announcement

Statements from Ian Bell didn’t conclude with the physical demands of professional cricket. He’d evoke that it’s been an honour & privilege to reach his boyhood dream of playing for England’s top cricket clubs. Ian remarked that playing just once would’ve been good enough for him and that a 22-year tenure in professional cricket is more than he could’ve ever desired. Ian Bell finalized his goodbye statement by mentioning his thanks for all staff, coaches, players, supporters, and executives that he’s worked with during those 22-Years. Ian Bell will now look towards coaching professional cricket.