England World T20 final hero quits cricket at 27 due to eye injury

London, June 5: An eye injury has forced England wicketkeeper-batsman and World Twenty20 winner Craig Kieswetter to retire from cricket at a young age.

The 27-year-old Kieswetter announced today that he will quit the game due to injuries sustained to his eye and nose while playing for Somerset last year.

In July 2014, Kieswetter broke his nose and fractured eye socket during a county match against Northants.

"Having gone through the traumatic experience of my eye injury and everything it entailed, I feel that mentally I will never be the player I was. As a person/player I'm not comfortable continuing if I can't give 100%," Kieswetter said on Friday.

"I've had a terrific career with plenty of ups and occasional downs and I am calling time on my career walking away with no regrets," he added.

Right-handed Kiewswetter played 46 ODIs and 25 T20Is for England. He was part of the team which won the World T20 title in the Caribbean in 2010. He was the Man-of-the-match in the World T20 final against Australia, .

The South African-born player said he had many fond memories during his 9-year career.

"I'll have many fond memories of a career that spanned nine years. See you all on the sidelines!," he said.

Tweet from Kieswetter announcing his decision

Probably the hardest decision I've had to make but one that is definitely the right move forward. pic.twitter.com/lDtxQ6PA0L

— Craig Kieswetter (@kiesy_22) June 5, 2015

Tributes from cricketers to Kieswetter

So sorry, buddy! You can be proud of what you've achieved & so can your family. See you on the golf course! x https://t.co/1wK6Kjizs0

— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) June 5, 2015

Sad to see injury bring a premature end to a great career for @kiesy_22 a great lad even if he tries way too hard to be posh! #redchinos

— Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) June 5, 2015

Go well buddy. And I wish U a successful time off the field. #lifeaftercricket enjoy bro https://t.co/WBGmNOwzAc

— Darren Sammy (@darrensammy88) June 5, 2015

A big loss for cricket @kiesy_22 - exceptionally talented and a very tough competitor. Some good times! All the best pic.twitter.com/J2cl7zTdQe

— Nick Compton (@thecompdog) June 5, 2015

@kiesy_22 One of the hardest hitters of a cricket ball I've seen and not many can say it but you're a World Cup winner. Congrats mate

— Paul Collingwood (@Colly622) June 5, 2015

Gutted for you craig that you have had to call time on his career due to his injury. Shared some… https://t.co/UHW0cCz0pJ

— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) June 5, 2015

All the best @kiesy_22 very sorry to hear!

— Daniel Bell-Drummond (@deebzz23) June 5, 2015

@kiesy_22 all the best mate. I wish you well in the next phase of your life.

— Jason Gillespie (@YCCCDizzy) June 5, 2015

Gutted to hear that @Kiesy_22 has had to retire. Undoubtedly one of the most destructive Keeper/Batsmen on his day. Big loss for England

— Yasir Arafat (@YasirArafat45) June 5, 2015

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