"Changed the way people think and play the game": Morgan hailed by peers after retirement
Eoin Morgan called time on his 16-year international career earlier today. Having made his debut for Ireland in 2006, Morgan went on to play for England and retires as one of their greatest white-ball players.
"After careful deliberation and consideration, I am here to announce my retirement from international cricket with immediate effect," said Morgan.
"To call time on what has been without doubt the most enjoyable and rewarding chapter of my career hasn't been an easy decision, but I believe now is the right time to do so, both for me, personally, and for both England white-ball sides I have led to this point.
"I have been lucky enough to play in two World Cup winning teams, but I believe the future for England's white-ball teams is brighter than ever. We have more experience, more strength and more depth than ever before. I look forward to watching on with a huge level of excitement."
Morgan retires as England's leading run-scorer in ODIs. as well as their most successful captain in 50-over cricket. In 225 ODIs, the southpaw scored 6957 runs in 225 ODIs for England, including 13 centuries. Before playing for England, Morgan represented Ireland as well, where he scored 744 runs in 23 matches at an average of 35.42.
The 35-year-old has been credited for bringing about a revolution in white-ball cricket since taking over as England captain in 2015. Under his captaincy, England famously won the 2019 Cricket World Cup in front of their home fans at Lord's. He was also a part of the 2010 England squad that won the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.
Since he announced his retirement, tributes have been flowing in from around the globe, praising the former captain for his immense contribution to the game.
βπΈβππΈπβ. ππΌπΈπ»πΌβ. ππΌπΎπΌβπ» π
— ICC (@ICC) June 28, 2022
Wishing @Eoin16 a happy retirement. pic.twitter.com/RjJWDwDOvA
Youβve changed English cricket forever.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 28, 2022
An innovator π A motivator πͺ A champion π
Your legacy will live on...#ThankYouMorgs β€οΈ pic.twitter.com/a32SSvCDXI
Captain leader legend. Thanks for everything boss β€οΈ pic.twitter.com/U5bMBPbgZI
— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) June 28, 2022
Congratulations on a wonderful career, @Eoin16. You gave cricket fans several moments to cherish. Best wishes to you. May your 2nd innings be as successful as the first. pic.twitter.com/zLSvaluZQr
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 28, 2022
Congratulations, Eoin Morgan @Eoin16. I have admired & respected your outlook towards the game enormously.What a career & what a transformational leader. Few players have had as much of an impact on the white ball game as you have. Well done, hopefully our paths continue to cross
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 27, 2022
What a career you have had. Changed the way people think and play the game not just in England but globally. Wishing you well in your next chapter. @Eoin16
— Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) June 28, 2022
Congrats on an incredible career @Eoin16 ππΌ πΎ
— Danielle Wyatt (@Danni_Wyatt) June 28, 2022
We are so lucky to have @Eoin16 play for and captain England. Your mentality changed our game and gave us belief to be the best/take the sport to another level. Incredible leadership that so many people could learn from. Thanks for everything πππ
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) June 27, 2022
A leader par excellence! π
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) June 28, 2022
Wish you a happy second innings, @Eoin16 π#ThankYouMorgs #AmiKKR #EoinMorgan pic.twitter.com/dLIPYLjbUL
Thank You for everything Boss @Eoin16 π pic.twitter.com/PQggDGIcez
— Liam Livingstone (@liaml4893) June 28, 2022
Congratulations mate on fantastic desirable career. To me u are game changer for @ECB_cricket in white ball cricket as captain. Loads of respect for ur services. Real entertainer @Eoin16 cricket world wil miss u. Best wishes for future endeavours. Stay blessed https://t.co/FYrqvfrq92
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) June 29, 2022