England’s County Championship side Gloucestershire’s player Ben Wells announced his retirement from cricket at the age of 23 due to a “rare” heart condition, confirmed the club on Wednesday.
Wells made his Gloucestershire debut in September 2021, scoring 40 on 94 deliveries in his first professional innings. He was considered one of the best players in the county championship.
In his last professional innings, Wells scored 108 not out against Durham in last season's Metro Bank One-Day Cup.
Wells was diagnosed with an arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) in a routine test before the commencement of pre-season, after which he announced his retirement.
"This is something that I never thought I would have to write," Wells said in his open letter. "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 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. I will always be incredibly proud to be able to say I was a professional cricketer."
Wells was diagnosed with the same condition that forced former England batter James Taylor to call time on his career in 2016 when he was just 26 years old.
Gloucestershire expressed their grief on Wells’ retirement and they thanked their medical staff for diagnosing the 23-year-old’s condition before the season began as he will now be able to get proper medical attention.
"While everyone at Gloucestershire is devastated for Ben, a hugely talented cricketer with a bright future ahead, we are incredibly grateful to both the club's medical professionals and those externally who acted quickly to diagnose Ben's heart condition at the earliest opportunity. The club, alongside the PCA, are actively supporting Ben through what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for him and his family."
