Irish allrounder Simi Singh is battling a serious illness, as confirmed by Cricket Ireland on Thursday. The 37-year-old has been a key player for Ireland, having represented the national team in 35 ODIs and 53 T20Is. Known for his spin bowling and lower-middle order batting, Singh last played for Ireland during the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom expressed deep concern in a statement, offering the board’s best wishes for Singh’s recovery. Deutrom noted that Singh has been a central figure in Irish cricket and hopes his determination and strength will help him through this difficult time.
Singh has built an impressive international career. In ODIs, he has taken 39 wickets at an average of 25.92, with a remarkable economy of 3.99. His T20I record includes 44 wickets at an average of 27.84, and he has maintained an economy rate of 7.61 in the shorter format.
Though the details of Singh’s illness have not been disclosed, the cricketing community is rallying behind him. His standout year was 2021, when he claimed 19 ODI wickets at 20.15 and scored his career-best 100 not out from 91 balls in a chase against South Africa.
Singh’s last competitive match was a year ago for Leinster Lightning in the Inter-Pro List A tournament. The entire Irish cricket community is sending thoughts and prayers to Singh as he faces this new challenge.
