Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Jarvis is the latest player to snub Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe pace bowler Kyle Jarvis has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 24, stating that he wants to play county cricket in England and become a Twenty20 mercenary.
Jarvis opted out Zimbabwe’s ongoing series against Pakistan after signing with Lancashire.
“I have held off a few opportunities over the last few months but my decision was made about a week ago when the pay disputes arose and I felt my time to leave had come,” Jarvis said through a statement. “I have retired from international cricket to pursue a county and global T20 career. We have had a few teams interested but me and my agents have agreed on a three-year deal at a top English county.
“I really hope the fans and public can understand my reasons for leaving, as job security is the main factor. I informed my team-mates yesterday that I would be leaving and they were supportive and fully understood why I was doing this. I then sat with the managing director and explained my position and we both left on good terms.
“Zimbabwe will always be my home, and I would just like to thank everyone for their continued support over the past few years. I wish my team-mates and coaching staff the best of luck for the forthcoming Pakistan series.”
Speaking about Jarvis’ surprising announcement, David Coltart, who is Zimbabwe’s minister of education, sports, art and culture, noted that the country had lost a talented player, but added that he understood the reasons behind the 24-year-old’s retirement.
“I wish him well,” Coltart said via Twitter. “My prayer is that this is not the last we have seen of @KyleJarv89 in red. When we sort out cricket and Zimbabwe, he’ll be back.”
In his international career with Zimbabwe, Jarvis took 30 wickets in eight Test matches at an average of 31.73 and 27 wickets in 24 ODIs at an average of 45.22.
Jarvis also represented Zimbabwe in nine Twenty20 Internationals and took 10 wickets at an average of 27.
The 24-year-old pace bowler is not the only player to snub Zimbabwe in recent times as Craig Ervine rejected a contract to continue playing county cricket in England, while it is understood that batsman Charles Coventry is also looking to resume his career elsewhere.