Leicestershire pacer Chris Wright has announced he will retire from all formats of cricket with the conclusion of the 2025 season. The 40-year-old whose career was marred by injuries that prevented him from making it to England's senior side, announced his retirement on social media.
Wright thanked Leicestershire for trusting him in his 30s. He is happy to live the dream and will cherish not just the trophies but the moments he spent with his teammates. He will continue to stay associated with cricket by guiding the young generation.
"When I moved to Leicestershire in 2019, my goal was clear - to help the club return to first division cricket. Now that this has finally been achieved, and having celebrated my 40th birthday, it feels like the perfect time to announce that I will be retiring at the end of the current season,” Wright wrote on social media.
"Becoming a professional cricketer was a dream that began when I watched my dad play club cricket and joined him on trips to see Hampshire at their old county ground, Northlands Road. To have lived that dream for so many years has been the greatest privilege.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the support I've had throughout my career - from the coaches who guided me at every stage, to the team-mates who made every day memorable. Most of all, I want to thank my family and my partner Carly, whose selflessness and encouragement have allowed me to chase my goals for the past two decades.
"I'll cherish the trophies and the wins, but it's the daily moments with team-mates - the laughter, the challenges, and the friendships - that mean the most. Now it's time to give back to the game I love, helping the next generation of players achieve their own ambitions! Forever grateful!"
Wright fulfills his promise to Leicestershire
As Leicestershire are currently at the top of the County Championship Division Two 2025 points table with 205 points (six wins, five draws from 12 games), they will be promoted to Division One. The Day 1 of Leicestershire's match against Kent was washed out. Wright's last appearance in first-class cricket will be against Northamptonshire starting September 24 if he gets a place in the playing eleven.
When Wright missed getting the England cap
Wright made his first-class debut for Essex in 2004. In his career, he played for different clubs before landing at Leicestershire where he will play his final game. In the early 2010s, he had the potential to make his debut for England but a stress fracture turned out to be the roadblock in his career.
Wright's career statistics
From 209 first-class games, he has 597 wickets at an average of 32.64, including 19 five-wicket hauls. He has scored 4,088 runs in the format, featuring 15 half-centuries.
He has made 141 List A appearances, claiming 149 wickets at an average of 36.05, including one fifer. He hasn't had a long T20 career with 53 wickets from 62 games at an average of 34.60, including two four-fers.