Albie Morkel Calls Time on Illustrious 20-Year-Long Career

Cricketnext Staff | Updated: January 9, 2019, 7:05 PM IST

Big hitting South African all-rounder Albie Morkel has announced retirement from all forms of the game with immediate effect.

An accomplished middle-order batsman and a strike bowler, Albie, the elder of the two Morkels, made his first-class debut back in 1999/2000.

He featured in national colours for 1 Test, 58 ODIs and 50 T20Is. He averaged 23.69 with the bat and 37.98 in the ODI circuit while in T20Is he averaged 21.18 at a strike-rate of 142.68.

"Time has run out for me on the cricket field, and I would like to announce my retirement from the game. The last 20 years of my life took me on an incredible journey, with so many awesome memories that I will cherish forever,” he said.

That’s the end for me and what a journey it’s been! Plenty of memories good and bad, but I was blessed with a very long career. Thanks @Titans_Cricket @OfficialCSA, will enjoy the game now from the other side. pic.twitter.com/sXik0KYFbz

— Albie Morkel (@albiemorkel) January 9, 2019

Albie also played in the IPL for various teams such as Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils and Rising Pune Supergiant. The 37-year-old last played for South Africa back in 2015 but has been a regular across various leagues all over the globe.

He most recently captained Durban Heat in the inaugural Mzansi Super League in South Africa late last year and scored 57 not out in his final appearance, against the Tshwane Spartans.

"I want to say a big thanks to Cricket South Africa, because it was a huge honour to represent my country. Thank you to my family, friends, supporters and sponsors who were there for me through thick and thin, and most importantly my wife who played an unbelievable supporting role, allowing me to do what I love.

"Professional sport can be a ruthless space to operate in, and it’s impossible to do it without a solid support system. Thank you so much.

"Cricket has prepared me well for life after. There are some new opportunities on the horizon, and I’m looking forward to grow into those. I will be enjoying the game from the other side of the rope."