Solomon Mire is the second player to retire from international cricket after Zimbabwe Cricket suspended

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Zimbabwe Cricket. The reason for the same is the failure to fulfil the obligation of not ensuring government interference in its administration. Shashank Manohar, the ICC chairman, said what happened in Zimbabwe in ‘serious breach’ of the ICC Constitution. Meanwhile, amidst all the chaos, Solomon Mire has retired from international cricket.

Mire, who’ll turn 30 in August, is deemed to be the second casualty of the suspension after Sikandar Raza, who also bid adieu to international cricket. The right-handed batsman made his decision to hang his boots public on Instagram. Mire expressed gratitude towards donning the national colours and though his career has seen highs and lows, he is extremely proud of representing the nation at the highest level.

Representing my country at the highest level was the highest honour

“It has been a week of emotional highs and lows in sport and sadly not a good one for Zimbabwe Cricket but just wanted to officially address everyone else. I informed the players and tech staff of my decision at the end of the recent tour and wanted to formally announce my decision to retire from Zimbabwe Cricket in all formats with immediate effect,” Mire wrote on his Instagram post while announcing his official retirement from international cricket.

“It is unfortunate and untimely however to leave under the current circumstances that are out of my control but I have decided to take a step in a new direction. Representing my country at the highest level for me has been the highest honour and service I could ever give and I have been extremely privileged to have been afforded the opportunity.”

“My short career has been a roller coaster of highs and lows, stops and starts, frustrations and joys but will be one I shall look upon and cherish for the once in a lifetime opportunity I was lucky enough to experience and for that, I would like to express my gratitude,” Mire added.

Mire made his international debut in an ODI versus Bangladesh back in November 2014. He last played for Zimbabwe in the recently concluded One Day and T20I series against Ireland. Mire ended up playing two Tests, 47 ODIs and nine T20Is in which he notched 78, 955 and 253 runs respectively. He was handy as a part-timer as well, having picked up 14 wickets.

Prior to Mire’s retirement, his teammate Sikandar Raza talked about the insecurity and fear of entangling Zimbabwe cricketers. The suspension has meant that the ICC decided to withdraw funding for Zimbabwe Cricket. The national team has also been barred of participating at ICC events, such as the T20 World Cup qualifier in October.