England Physical Disability star Matt Askin has announced his retirement from international cricket.
Debuting for the England Physical Disability team back in 2010, Askin played a pivotal role in progressing the international game.
He leaves a strong legacy, having appeared in six tours and 40 games for his country, including the inaugural Physical Disability tour in Dubai against Pakistan, as well as being part of the squad that won the first ever PD World Cup back in 2015.
Reflecting on his time with England, Matt said: 鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly fortunate to have had such a long international career with the PD team. It鈥檚 been a dream come true to represent my country for 13 years, I feel like I鈥檝e been a part of the beginning of something huge and there鈥檚 so much more to look forward to in this space.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a really tough decision to take a step back but it feels like the right time for me. I鈥檓 going to spend as much time with my beautiful family as possible. I feel like I鈥檝e done everything I can for this team and I hope I鈥檝e done everybody proud.鈥�
Askin will continue to play in DPL and will lend his experience to players with similar impairments to his.
Head of Disability Cricket at the England and Wales Cricket Board, Ian Martin, said: 鈥淢att can look back on the role that he has played in the development of England Physical Disability cricket with immense pride.
鈥淗e has shown a strength of character and levels of resilience that are remarkable and ensured that he became a well-respected figure, not just within our squad but also across international disability cricket.
鈥淢att is a genuinely great person and a very talented cricketer. When the ball was in his arc it invariably disappeared over sightscreens and hedges, leaving spectators amazed at his skill level. I wish him and his family well for the future and look forward to his continuing involvement in the growth of disability cricket.聽He鈥檚 a real ambassador for our game and represents everything that is good about it.鈥�