Worcester, September 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Ireland women’s all-rounder Arlene Kelly has announced her retirement from professional cricket, bringing an end to her four-and-a-half-year international career after Ireland’s match against England Women in Worcester.
The 32-year-old, who was born in New Zealand, moved to Ireland in 2022 after obtaining an Irish passport and initially came to the country to experience domestic cricket. Her performances soon earned her international recognition.
Kelly made an immediate impact by scoring 60 and taking 3-35 in a Player of the Match performance. Within weeks, she made her Ireland debut against South Africa on June 3, 2022, at Pembroke Cricket Club, taking 2-25 as Ireland defeated the then-World Cup runners-up by 10 runs.
She went on to become a key member of Ireland’s side, featuring in 110 of the team’s 117 matches since her debut. Known for her controlled medium-pace swing bowling, Kelly retires as Ireland’s third-highest wicket-taker, behind Isobel Joyce and Laura Delany.
Her career-best figures of 5-12 came against the Netherlands in a T20I in 2023. That year, she was named Irish Cricket International Women’s Player of the Year and also received the ICC International Women’s Player of the Month award for August.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to represent Ireland over the past four-and-a-half years and I’ve been fortunate enough to make so many amazing memories both on and off the field,” Kelly said.
“However, the time feels right to hang up the boots and head back to New Zealand to be around my family and friends,” she added, thanking Cricket Ireland, coaches and teammates for their support.
Ireland captain Gaby Lewis praised Kelly’s contribution, recalling that she initially arrived as an overseas player for Malahide Cricket Club before becoming an important member of the national team.
Ireland Women head coach Lloyd Tennant also described Kelly as a highly reliable performer who handled pressure situations well, while praising her role in helping shape a new era of high performance within the team.
Kelly said she would continue to follow and support Ireland from outside the boundary as she begins the next chapter of her life closer to her family in New Zealand.
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