South Africa batter retires at 41 after two decades spanning South Africa and T20 cricket
Colin Ingram has retired from professional cricket at 41, closing a career that included South Africa duty and a long franchise T20 journey. He made his announcement two weeks after representing Glamorgan against Warwickshire in Cardiff, scoring 19 and 5. Recalling new beginings he wrote,
"The day has finally arrived to announce my retirement from professional cricket. A shy farm kid grew up having a dream of playing the game he loved. For just over 20 years I've been fortunate to have lived that every day."
He finished the county season with 628 runs from 12 matches at 31.40, ending his campaign on a modest note.
Ingram debuted domestically in 2004-05 and for South Africa in October 2010. He played until 2013, making 31 ODI and nine T20I appearances, scoring 843 ODI runs at 32.42 and 210 T20I runs at 129.62.
"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."
Across 378 T20s, he scored 9,017 runs at a 138.50 strike rate overall.
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Coaching offers a new role beyond the boundary
Ingram thanked those who supported his journey. "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," he said.
He will remain involved through coaching. "However, I'm not completely leaving the game. As one chapter closes the next opens beyond the boundary as I begin my coaching career."
"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."