Simi Singh confirmed his retirement from professional cricket on September 30, 2026, bringing to a close a career in which he represented Ireland 90 times across formats. Singh is 39 years old and was born in Bathlana, India.
Singh moved to Ireland in 2006 at the age of 19 to pursue his dream of playing international cricket. He made his Ireland debut against New Zealand in May 2017, becoming the first Irish international of Indian origin. His first cap came when he was 29 years old.
“I came to Ireland as a 19-year-old with a dream of playing international cricket, and looking back, the journey has been nothing short of surreal. I’m incredibly grateful to Ireland and to everyone who supported, believed in, and helped me along the way. None of this would have been possible without the love and support of my family, who stood by me through every step of the journey.
“A special thank you to Alan Lewis, who played such an important role in both my professional and personal life, especially during my YMCA days. I’ll always be grateful for his guidance and support. Additionally, an exceptional coach can make a real difference to a player, and for me, Graham Ford was that coach. He was vital to my career and achievements.
“Ireland will always have a special place in my heart. I’ll forever be a proud supporter of Irish cricket, and I wish the next generation every success in achieving great things. Thank you, Ireland,” Simi Singh was quoted as saying in a statement.
“When you look back at the sacrifices Simi made in chasing his dream, you can only but admire the career he made for himself in Ireland. Playing with Simi many times over those years it was clear what playing for Ireland meant to him. Simi loved the big occasion – no more so than his debut at Malahide. I think that with his debut coming well into his career – I think he was 29 when he got his first cap – Simi always had that drive to make the most of his opportunity, to which a 90-cap career indicates that he delivered on that.
“We were all shocked when we learned of Simi’s illness and his fight for his life – but equally, we are all pleased that he is in a much better place today and looking forward to what’s next post-playing career. I wish Simi well with the next steps in life. Simi can be proud of the career he had and the role he played in Irish cricket – and he will be welcomed back warmly by the senior squad when next we see him,” head coach Gary Wilson, who also shared dressing room with Simi Singh, said.
