Lizelle Lee, a cricketer for South Africa, has announced her retirement from international cricket. On Friday, July 8, she acknowledged the same on her official social media accounts. The Proteas' explosive opener played for them in 184 international games, scoring 5253 runs across all forms, including four centuries.
Prior to the forthcoming three-match ODI series against England, which begins on Monday, July 11 in Northampton, Lee made the decision to call it quits in cricket. She had a key role in the South African team's performance at the ICC Women's World Cup 2022 earlier this year, where they lost to eventual runners-up England in the semifinals.
It is with a lot of mixed emotions that I announce my retirement: Lizelle Lee
“It is with a lot of mixed emotions that I announce my retirement from international cricket. From a very young age, I have lived cricket and wanted to represent my country at the highest level. Over the past 8 years I was able to live that dream and I feel I have given everything I could to the Proteas,” Lee said in an official statement released by Cricket South Africa.
“I feel that I am ready for the next phase in my career and will continue to play domestic T20 cricket around the world. It has been an incredible journey and it would not have been possible without everyone who has supported me during my international career. I want to thank my family, especially my wife Tanja for all the sacrifices they have made for me to live out my dream to represent my country,” she added.
“My fellow Proteas teammates, thank you for the wonderful memories we have made together. You have made this journey incredible, and I could not have done this without you. I will always be supporting you; we will always be rising together”, the statement further read.
“Lastly to my fans, I am the person I am because of the love and support you have given me throughout my international career. I look forward to continuing this journey with you in the different leagues around the world,” she concluded.