Derbyshire wicketkeeper Harvey Hosein has announced his retirement from professional cricket at just 25 years old, after suffering a number of repeated concussion injuries throughout his career. Hosein made 83 appearances for Derbyshire, scoring 2,768 runs with the bat and claiming 156 dismissals with the clubs during his time with the county. The wicketkeeper – who made his senior debut for his home county at 18 – had suffered concussion injuries on four separate occasions throughout his career, including twice this summer where he was required to leave the field due to protocols.

In a statement, Derbyshire said: “Following assessment and management from Derbyshire’s medical team and a specialist consultant multidisciplinary team, Hosein has taken the difficult decision to step away from cricket with immediate effect to prevent any possible future injury.” Derbyshire went on to reveal that the county and the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) will continue to offer support to the 25-year-old despite his retirement from the game. They added: “Hosein will continue to receive support from the Club, as well as the Professional Cricketers’ Association, as he progresses a career in finance.

“In addition to accessing PCA education funding, he was a Futures Awards winner and used the resulting bursary to achieve his Investment Management Certificate qualification.” Hosein himself also issued a statement following his premature retirement, thanking his home county for their support and revealing it was understandably the hardest decision of his professional career. The wicketkeeper said: “Retiring early from the game has been the hardest moment I’ve faced in my professional career. “I have been lucky enough to enjoy eight professional seasons as a homegrown player; an ambition I held since joining the Club at the age of 12.

“I am extremely grateful for the support I have received during my time at Derbyshire and would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone at the Club, both on and off the field.” As part of the club’s official statement, Derbyshire Chief Executive Ryan Duckett paid his own personal tribute to his departing player, describing him as a ‘great ambassador’. He said: “I’m deeply disappointed for Harvey and as a Club, it’s unfortunate to lose a talented and homegrown cricketer, but players’ health must always come first. “There are risks associated with any contact sport and cricket is no different, particularly at this level.

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Harvey Hosein retires following concussion struggles

“The Club’s medical staff and Harvey himself have followed the ECB’s concussion protocols thoroughly and there is no doubt that in doing so have in all likelihood prevented further injury. “Harvey has acted professionally throughout his time with Derbyshire and has been a great ambassador for the Club and the sport. “He’s an intelligent young man with a bright future ahead of him. On behalf of the Club, I wish him all the very best and we will support him in any way we can as he begins a career outside of cricket.”

Following assessment and management from Derbyshire’s medical team and a specialist consultant multidisciplinary team, Hosein has taken the difficult decision to step away from cricket with immediate effect to prevent any possible future injury. He played in a total of 83 matches for the Club, scoring 2,768 runs, with a top score of 138 not out, while also claiming 156 dismissals. His 11 catches against Surrey in his maiden first-class appearance remain a record for the number of dismissals taken in a match by a Derbyshire wicketkeeper. Hosein, in an official release, said, “Retiring early from the game has been the hardest moment I’ve faced in my professional career.

I have been lucky enough to enjoy eight professional seasons as a homegrown player; an ambition I held since joining the Club at the age of 12.” I am extremely grateful for the support I have received during my time at Derbyshire and would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone at the club, both on and off the field. This is not how I envisaged or wanted to leave the game; however, I have made lifelong memories during the past 13 years at Derbyshire.”