Cricket / News
Gloucestershire’s Ben Wells forced to retire from cricket aged just 23
Ben Wells has been forced to retire from professional cricket at the age of just 23 after being diagnosed with a heart condition that is made worse by vigorous exercise.
The 23-year-old wicketkeeper and batter scored 108 not out for Gloucestershire in his last match for the club as they defeated Durham by seven-wickets in the Metro Bank Cup.
Wells’ enforced retirement comes after he was diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) following a routine heart screening.
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After signing for Gloucestershire in 2021, Wells made 25 professional appearances across all-formats.
He had a breakout year for Shire in 2023, impressing particularly with the bat in the T20 Vitality Blast including a standout performance against Hampshire in Bristol when he hit 43 not out from just 22 balls.
In an open letter to supporters, Wells wrote that he will will be getting a defibrillator implanted in the coming weeks.
He said: “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 breaktime 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.”
Gloucestershire club captain, Graeme van Buuren, added: “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.”
Main photo: Gloucestershire Cricket
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