South Africa batter Colin Ingram retires from professional cricket

Colin Ingram, who played 40 times for South Africa between 2010 and 2013 – and also forged a successful franchise T20 career after that – has called time on his professional cricket career.

“The day has finally arrived to announce my retirement from professional cricket,” Ingram, now 41, wrote in a social media post on Tuesday morning. He most recently played for Glamorgan in the County Championship against Warwickshire two weeks ago, and could make a farewell appearance against Essex this week.

“A shy farm kid grew up having a dream of playing the game he loved,” Ingram wrote. “For just over 20 years I’ve been fortunate to have lived that every day. I love the game and have tried my best to be the best I can possibly be while enjoying the challenge, camaraderie and time on and off the field.

“I was fascinated by the game from a young age, and in particular batting. At times, when it flows, everything slows down and it feels like the most natural, instinctual thing I’ve ever done. Like my form of art and the bat my paint brush and it’s exhilarating. However, when it doesn’t work, it is the opposite. Clumsy, rushed and terrifying. The trick I find is to just keep coming back, be an optimist and try contribute to the team.”

Ingram, a Free State player, made his domestic debut in the 2004-05 season and went on to make his South Africa debut in October 2010 when Zimbabwe visited South Africa for a ODI and T20I series. He was in the South Africa white-ball sides till November 2013, playing 31 ODIs (843 runs at an average of 32.42) and nine T20Is (210 runs at a strike rate of 129.62).

“Having a great support base has always made me feel as though I’m playing for more than just myself and I’m so thankful to all the people who have walked this path with me,” Ingram said. “To my family, friends, teammates, coaches, support staff, school, Uni, clubs, franchises, communities, Country, Province, sponsors and supporters, if this speaks to you, you know who you are and know that I’m so grateful.

“Throughout my career I’ve dreamed big, worked hard, made memories, laughed and cried, seen things and places I never thought possible and met so many wonderful people along the way. I’ve had a full crack and left it all out there. However, I’m not completely leaving the game. As one chapter closes the next opens beyond the boundary as I begin my coaching career. My art is complete but I hope to influence the game positively and inspire players to be the best they can be while enjoying their journeys.

“41 as my shirt number means dreams and at 41 years old I step away having lived a dream. I leave happy, grateful and content. See you down the road, Hakuna matata and peace be the journey.”

Ingram was a successful T20 freelancer, turning out in the IPL, the BBL, the ILT20, the CPL, the Hundred, the PSL and the SA20, among other leagues. Overall, he played 378 T20s, scoring 9017 runs at a strike rate of 138.50.

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