2019 World Cup pacer Liam Plunkett quits English cricket, will join US Major League

The last match pacer Liam Plunkett played in the English colours was the 2019 World Cup final game at Lord’s, where he registered figures of 3/42. The Surrey cricketer on Tuesday announced that he will no longer play cricket in England and will move onto the ‘next phase of his career’ – Major League Cricket in the United States. 

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“I would like to thank everyone at Surrey for the support and backing I have received over the last three years. Moving onto the next phase of my career, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join Major League Cricket and focus my attention on helping to grow the sport in the United States,” Plunkett told the Surrey CCC website. 

Plunkett joined the Surrey County Club in 2019/20. He has 158 First Class, 89 ODI and 13 Test matches under his belt. He said that he will help to build the sport (cricket) in America in both playing and coaching capacities.

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“I’ve enjoyed a fantastic career with England and, after retiring from international cricket, I am delighted to be able to help build the sport in America in both playing and coaching capacities. In addition, I am looking forward to supporting the team closest to our home in the US by being able to play for The Philadelphians in Minor League Cricket.”

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The International Cricket Committee’s (ICC) regulations state that a player can switch from one country to another upon the completion of a three-year sit-out period. This means, the Englishman will become eligible to play for the USA on July 14, 2022, providing he does not add to his 124 England caps in the interim. He would also need to meet the nationality qualification by gaining citizenship. He is married to an American and that means it would take him three years. 

Surrey’s director of cricket, Alec Stewart said, “On behalf of everyone at the club, we wish Liam the very best with his new challenge in America. Whenever he is in London, he will always be welcomed back to visit the Kia Oval.”