Albie Morkel calls it a day
One of South Africa’s most destructive cricketers in domestic T20 cricket, and a Titans stalwart over a period of almost 20 years, announced his retirement from all forms of the game.
One of South Africa and the Titans‘ most influential cricket players has announced that his professional career is over.
Albie Morkel‘s announcement that he will retire from all forms of cricket with immediate effect came to his many fans as a shock, although it was expected among informed cricket administrators and some of his teammates.
“Time has run out for me on the cricket field, and I would like to announce my retirement from the game. The last 20 years of my life took me on an incredible journey, with so many awesome memories that I will cherish forever,” said Morkel in an official statement.
His announcement brings to an end an illustrious career spanning two decades in which he entertained fans across the cricket world with his capabilities as an all-rounder.
In first-class cricket, Morkel amassed more than 4 000 runs in 77 matches, with a career-best unbeaten 204 against Western Province in the 2004-2005 SuperSport Series. He also yielded 203 wickets.
While success prevailed with the red ball, it was in the shorter format that he proved most destructive. Overall, his one-day career has seen him score in excess of 8 000 runs across both limited competitions, while garnering 462 wickets.
Morkel represented his country in 109 appearances across all formats.
The 37-year-old made his final appearance for the Titans in October last year during the Abu Dhabi T20 series, where the Centurion franchise finished runners-up in the inaugural tournament.
He thanked Titans CEO Jacques Faul and everyone involved at the franchise for giving him the opportunity to live his dream.
“I want to say a big thanks to Cricket South Africa, because it was a huge honour to represent my country. Thank you to my family, friends, supporters and sponsors who were there for me through thick and thin, and most importantly my wife who played an unbelievable supporting role, allowing me to do what I love. Professional sport can be a ruthless space to operate in, and it’s impossible to do it without a solid support system. Thank you so much,” Morkel concluded.
Since his debut in 2003, Morkel’s influence at the franchise has been massive, and he was part of an era of significant dominance for the Titans, including a unique hat-trick of T20 titles.
“Albie has been an incredible servant to the Titans. We want to thank him on all his years of sterling service, and for all the entertainment and success he brought to SuperSport Park. He was massively respected in the changeroom, and lived in the stands, and that is a tribute to not only his ability as a cricketer, but also as a person,” said Titans Cricket CEO, Dr Jacques Faul.
Faul added that there would hopefully be a farewell match for Morkel, likely against a touring county side. In addition, he has committed himself to a Titans tour later this year.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
