William Porterfield calls time on his international career

Former Ireland skipper, William Porterfield, has announced retirement from international and representative cricket on Thursday (June 16). The 37 year old has finished his career as the third most capped Irish cricketer and the second highest run getter. 

Taking over the captaincy from Trent Johnston in 2008, Porterfield went on to lead his nation 254 times- the most in Ireland’s history. He was also the first captain to guide Ireland to their first ever test match in 2018 against Pakistan. 

In November 2019, the southpaw resigned as skipper after 11 long years, handing over the responsibility to Andrew Balbirnie. With a self effacing T20 record, he hasn’t featured in Ireland in almost four years, but it is in the 50 overs format, Porterfield led from the front on many occasions. In 147 games, the veteran went on to score 11 ODI centuries including one against Pakistan in the 2015 World Series. Even though Porterfield was dismissed for a golden duck in his final international game, Ireland won that to secure the series against West Indies 2-1. 

It's been an honour to represent my country for 16 years - it's something I had always wanted to do since I was a child," Porterfield said. "I have to say, though, it's a little surreal at the moment having made the decision to step away and retire, but I've been fortunate to play since 2006 and it's been an incredible journey.

"During my career, we've gone from an amateur team right through to now being a Test nation. From those before me, and along my journey, we have hopefully built an infrastructure that will allow the game in Ireland to continue to flourish. All I ever wanted to do was leave the shirt in a better place and leave the team in a better place, and hopefully I've played a part in doing that."

Apart from international success, Porterfield enjoyed a fruitful domestic career. He had a memorable country career with Gloucestershire and Warwickshire. He later revealed in the press that he has been handed an opportunity to become a consultant coach for his former side. I've been given the opportunity to join Gloucestershire as a Consultant Coach until the end of the season, and these opportunities don't come around very often," he said. "It's a decision I've been thinking long and hard about over the last week or so - and I'd like to thank Cricket Ireland for allowing me to get up and going in the role over the last while."