Collingwood Announces Retirement Plan

Former England captain Paul Collingwood has announced he will retire from playing at the end of the domestic season.

The all-rounder has enjoyed a successful 22-year career since making his first-class debut in 1996 as he won the County Championship with Durham in 2013 and the One-Day Cup 12 months later.

The 42-year-old also enjoyed a distinguished international career after he became the first England captain to win a global tournament when he steered his country to glory in the ICC World T20 in 2010.

In total, Collingwood racked up 68 Test appearances for his country as well as 197 one-day internationals and 36 T20s.

Collingwood’s last international match came in a T20 against Pakistan last year but he has now confirmed he will retire from all forms of cricket at the end of the current campaign with a heavy heart.

“I knew this day would eventually come but it hasn’t made it any easier – although it’s an emotional decision,” Collingwood said. “I know that the time is right and I’m comfortable knowing that I have given every last ounce of energy to the sport.”

Collingwood’s final professional appearance will be when Durham host Middlesex in the County Championship later this month and he admits he will be retiring after achieving more in the sport than he had ever dared hope.

He added: “I have achieved so much with both Durham and England; far more than I ever imagined and I feel extremely privileged to have had such a long and rewarding career.”