Steven Croft announces retirement from professional cricket
Lancashire Cricket all-rounder Steven Croft has announced his retirement from professional cricket.
The 39-year-old retired from first-class and List A cricket following the conclusion of the 2023 summer, signing a T20-only deal ahead of this season’s campaign, but Croft has now confirmed he will fully retire from professional cricket and with immediate effect, join the Club’s coaching staff on a full-time basis.
Croft – who was awarded a testimonial year in 2018 and captained the Club officially for two seasons - made 600 appearances for the Red Rose across all formats, having made his debut for Lancashire in 2005. In that time, he hit 19,183 runs and took 199 wickets for the county.
WATCH: Steven Croft reflects on his Lancashire career in the LancsTV studio
He hit the winning runs to secure County Championship title glory for the first time in 77 years, on the fourth day against Somerset at Taunton in 2011. Four years later, Croft skippered Lancashire Lightning to their maiden T20 Blast title at Edgbaston in 2015, beating Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the final.
Between June 2006 and July 2018, Croft played 148 consecutive T20 matches for Lancashire, which is an English record. He finishes his career as Lancashire’s leading T20 run scorer with 5,486 runs.
Steven Croft, said: “My dream as a boy was to play one game for Lancashire, in the end it became over 600. So, after just over two decades of playing for the Club, I have taken the decision to retire as a player.
“I can confidently say I have realised my dream and more, and what a ride it has been. To go with the games, runs, wickets and catches, I have played alongside some of my heroes and many greats of the game. There have been so many highlights along the way, too. Winning the County Championship in 2011 will stay with me forever. The 2015 T20 Blast too, what a great night that was! But also, being awarded my county cap and being appointed club captain were special moments.
“There are so many people I’d like to thank, not just in my time as a professional cricketer, but long before my career started. Firstly, thank you to my parents, who cared for me, believed in me and supported me. You found the energy to take me to games and support me as a young player and you forgave me for every ball I put through your car windscreen! I am forever grateful.
“To everyone at Blackpool CC, my junior years had a massive effect on where I ended up as a cricketer. Thank you to John Stanworth and Stephen Titchard, who ran the newly-started Lancashire Academy back in 2003 and believed in me and preparing me for what was to come next in my career.
“To all my teammates over the years, you have been like my brothers. You are some of the greatest men I’ve ever met, and I can’t express how much fun it has been sharing dressing rooms and pitches with you all, here and overseas. I have been fortunate to work with some unbelievable coaches who have invested so much time and effort over the years, I have appreciated every single one of you.
WATCH: Re-live some of Steven Croft's highlights in a Lancashire shirt
“One of the finest parts of this Club is the fans. I have always felt incredible support from the Lancashire members and supporters over my career and to you all, I want to say a massive thank you. I hope you all know that every time I took to the field, I poured my heart and soul into the Red Rose.
“To Lancashire CCC, I am your biggest supporter and thank you for reciprocating that to me. Old Trafford is such a special and iconic ground, and it’s filled with so many hard working and special individuals that deserve nothing but good things.
“For nearly all my professional career I have been blessed with the best person in the world by my side. I cannot put into words how much I owe to my wife, not only for letting me chase my dream for such a long time, but for diving in headfirst with me. Travelling with me to different countries, putting her career on hold, raising two beautiful little girls while I’m playing, enjoying the highs, the many lows and supporting me through each moment. You have brought me back from the tougher times and given me the strength to go back time and time again. Thank you for being on this ride with me, I am so lucky.
“Finally, I must say a big thanks to the PCA for all their support throughout my professional career. They support all players in this country brilliantly and we’re very fortunate to have them.
“So, it’s time to let go and jump into the next chapter. My new dream is to help the next generation of players on their journeys and help them get into a Lancashire or England shirt, while also having as great time doing so. It’s a wonderful game, one I’ll always love and one I’m fortunate enough to stay in. Thanks for the memories.”
Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s Director of Cricket, added: “On behalf of everyone at the Club, I would like to congratulate Steven on an incredible Lancashire career.
“Steven epitomises everything good about this Club. He is an outstanding individual who always puts the team first and anyone who has watched him knows that Steven puts his heart and soul into every game and his record speaks for itself. To be such an influential member of our side – as well as contributing to so many match-winning performances - over such a long period of time is something he should be very proud of.
“He played a vital role in 2011 when we won the County Championship and skippered the side to the T20 Blast title in 2015, and I know how much those trophies still mean to him. He was a model professional and one of the hardest working players I’ve known.
“Players like Steven don’t come around too often and whilst we will miss his skill and experience on the field, we’re thrilled that he will continue to play a vital role in continuing to develop the exciting young players we have at Emirates Old Trafford, working across the Men’s First Team, Second XI and Academy.
“Even over the last 12 months, I’ve been really impressed with how quickly he’s taken to coaching and the impact he’s had in a short period of time. I am looking forward to seeing him develop these skills in the next chapter of his career."