Eoin Morgan retirement: End of an Era for England’s World Cup Winning Captain
Eoin Morgan, England’s 2019 World Cup-winning captain, has officially retired from all forms of professional cricket. With a 16-year career, first with Ireland and then with England, Morgan has established himself as a legendary figure in the sport.
Career Highlights
Morgan ends his career with over 24,000 professional runs in 855 appearances, spanning nearly 20 years. He has played for numerous domestic teams, including Middlesex, and was a T20 World Cup winner in 2010. Despite playing only 16 Test matches between 2010 and 2012, Morgan will be remembered for his seven-and-a-half years as England’s limited-overs captain.
Revitalizing England Cricket
Morgan replaced Alastair Cook as England’s limited-overs captain in the run-up to the 2015 World Cup in Australia. Despite early losses against Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Morgan led a stunning revival with the support of Andrew Strauss and Trevor Bayliss. Over the next four years, England were beaten finalists in the 2016 T20 World Cup and reached the semi-finals of the 2017 Champions Trophy. Ultimately, England won the 2019 World Cup on home soil, with Morgan lifting the trophy as captain.
A Cultural Shift in English Cricket
Perhaps Morgan’s greatest legacy lies in the culture shift he brought about within English cricket. Shedding the conservative, risk-averse style that had characterized their limited-overs history, Morgan’s dynamic young team embraced a ultra-aggressive, fearless batting style, breaking records along the way. Under Morgan’s leadership, England became favourites heading into the World Cup, a stark contrast to their previous tournament exits.
Retirement and Future Endeavors
Eoin Morgan’s retirement date: Morgan announced his retirement on June 28, 2022. Why Eoin Morgan retired: He cited it was the right time to step away from the game after much deliberation. Eoin Morgan’s last match: His final match was against the Netherlands on June 19, 2022. Morgan stated, “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.” While he will no longer play professionally, Morgan will remain involved in the sport as a broadcaster and commentator. What happened to Eoin Morgan: He may also continue to play in the growing ‘legends’ circuit for retired players and has already received numerous offers to become a coach.
Words of Gratitude
Morgan expressed his gratitude towards those who have supported him throughout his career: “I would like to say a particularly special thank you to my wife, Tara, my family and close friends who have supported me unconditionally.” He also thanked all of his teammates, coaches, fans, and those behind the scenes who helped him become the player and person he is 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.”
Final Farewell
Morgan will be missed by fans and players alike, but his legacy in English cricket will endure. Middlesex, Morgan’s county, said in a statement: “Middlesex Cricket would like to thank Eoin for all he has done for the club and the game throughout his career. We are extremely proud to have played a part in his success and wish him every success for his future career in the media.”
“Eoin Morgan’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his impact on the sport of cricket will be remembered for generations to come.“
