CRICKET SHOCK
Cricketer Ben Wells forced to retire at just 23 after heart condition diagnosis as he writes emotional letter to fans
Condition was discovered during a routine pre-season check
GLOUCESTERSHIRE star Ben Wells has retired from professional cricket aged 23 after being diagnosed with a heart condition.
A routine pre-season screening detected that Wells has Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy.
3
3
Wells' condition prohibits him from "rigorous exercise", and also compelled ex-England batsman James Taylor to retire in 2016.
It is also similar to the condition which forced footballer Fabrice Muamba to quit in 2012 after he suffered a cardiac arrest playing for Bolton against Spurs.
He will now be fitted with an implantable cardiac defibrillator.
Wells’ final innings was 108 not out from just 76 balls against Durham in the Metro Bank 50-over cup last August - his only century in professional cricket.
READ MORE IN CRICKET
Despite naturally being disappointed, Wells is grateful to the medical staff that detected his condition.
As part of an open letter penned to fans, he wrote: "As tough as it is, this diagnosis has likely saved my life, and in time I hope that I can see it in that light.
"I'm very thankful to the doctors who have picked this up as soon as they could have.
"I'm very thankful for everything that cricket has given me throughout my life, from the friends I've made, the places I've been able to visit, and the many memories that I've made along the way.
Most read in Cricket
Ben Wells' open letter in full
Cricket star has penned an open latter to fans in the wake of his retirement
This is something that I never thought I would have to write. Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with a heart condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, a condition that is made worse by vigorous exercise.
Unfortunately, this means that I must regrettably retire from professional cricket with immediate effect and will need a defibrillator implanted in the coming weeks.
As tough as it is, this diagnosis has likely saved my life, and in time I hope that I can see it in that light. I'm very thankful to the doctors who have picked this up as soon as they could have.
I'm very thankful for everything that cricket has given me throughout my life, from the friends I've made, the places I've been able to visit, and the many memories that I've made along the way.
Cricket has been a massive part of my life for as long as I can remember, it’s been all I’ve ever wanted to do.
From playing in the garden as a child with my brother, every break time at school, going to Bath Cricket Club summer camps, playing throughout age group sides, Exeter University, and throughout my time at Gloucestershire, playing cricket has always been my dream and driven everything I’ve done.
I could never have imagined that this is the path that cricket would have taken me down. I’ve loved every moment and am very grateful to have had the chance to live out a part of this dream, even if it was only for a few years.
It's been a journey full of ups and downs, from not gaining a contract at 18, to being offered the chance with Gloucestershire at 21, dealing with a number of major injuries, and ending my career with my first and only professional hundred on a torn hamstring in what is now my final innings; but I will always look back on everything with fond memories.
I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in helping me along the way. Bath Cricket Club, who first got me into cricket and for supporting me during the entire journey.
Monkton Combe School for their support. Somerset County Cricket Club for the opportunity to play throughout their age group sides and later their academy.
The University of Exeter for helping to get me from a player with no professional contract when I joined to being offered one three years later. Gloucestershire County Cricket Club for believing in me and giving me the chance to play professionally.
Millichamp and Hall and my agent Jonny Hughes for their support throughout my professional career. To all the players, coaches, physios, supporters, and friends who have been there along the way and made it so special.
To my brother for the hours of garden cricket growing up, even if he did always cheat. And lastly a thank you to my parents, without who’s support, sacrifice, and endless hours driving me to training and games this would never have been possible.
Finally, I would like to thank all my friends, family, Gloucestershire, and the PCA for all their ongoing support during the last couple of weeks in dealing with this news. I could not have got through it without them.
I will always be incredibly proud to be able to say I was a professional cricketer.
Thank you,
Ben Wells
"Cricket has been a massive part of my life for as long as I can remember, it’s been all I’ve ever wanted to do."
Bath-born Wells had been playing for Gloucestershire since 2021, having previously came through the ranks in Somerset's academy.
Alongside his cricket exploits, Wells completed a physics degree at the University of Exeter.
Gloucestershire County Cricket Club have pledged to support Wells in the wake of his sudden retirement.
Responding to today's unfortunate news, Gloucestershire captain Graeme van Buuren said: "All of us players and staff are absolutely gutted for Wellsy, he was playing some of the best cricket of his career last season and we were all so excited to see what he could achieve in 2024.
"Ben has dedicated so much time and effort to cricket and even scored a century with a torn hamstring last season, so that speaks volumes of his character and talents as a cricketer.
"Most importantly, however, we will dearly miss Ben as one of our brothers within the dressing room - he is a fantastic human being and a really loved member of the squad.
"All of us are supporting Ben through what he is going through and will no doubt stay in touch."
A possible catastrophe has been averted
Mark Alleyne
Gloucestershire head coach Mark Alleyne added: "Ben being forced into retirement is the news every sportsperson dreads. He was in a great space with his cricket thanks to an insatiable practice ethic.
"I first met Ben in 2021 when I was assisting the coaching group and he was an exciting talent then.
"In the three years that have followed Ben managed to transform that early promise into a cricketer that would impact most teams. I was looking forward to seeing him do it for Gloucestershire.
"On reflection though and after feeling the huge waves of disappointment from his team-mates and coaching staff; we can look back knowing that a possible catastrophe has been averted.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"It is that thought that offers us, and Ben of course, a margin of relief and I know he will move forward with dedication and make an impact in whatever he chooses to do next.
"Ben will be greatly missed by this group of players and cricket fans alike."
3
Topics