Cricket Scotland are extremely saddened to hear that Scotland and Sussex batsman Matt Machan has been forced to retire from cricket due to a wrist injury, with immediate effect.
The 26-year old made his debut for Scotland in 2013 where he played against Afghanistan in Sharjah, after qualifying through his Scottish mother. His maiden century in Scottish colours came against Kenya in Aberdeen in the World Cricket League with 114* from 111 deliveries.
Averaging 33 from 23 One Day Internationals, scoring 734 runs, and averaging 40 from 13 T20Is, Machan quickly established himself in the side and played an important part in Scotland’s World Cup Qualifying campaign in New Zealand in 2014.
In the opening 2015 World Cup fixture against New Zealand in Dunedin, Machan scored a fine half-century announcing himself on the world stage.
He also etched his name into Scottish cricketing history with a Man of the Match performance against Hong Kong during the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup in Nagpur, taking 2-26 and hitting a six to win the match, as Scotland secured their first win at a global event.
On the announcement, Matt Machan said, “It is with great sadness that I am having to announce my retirement from the professional game due to a wrist injury.
Following medical advice, my long-term health is most important to me and I have to take that into account.
Playing for Scotland brings so much joy and pride to me and the thought of not being able to do that again is a very hard pill to swallow.
Playing in two World Cups against the very best players in the world is undoubtedly the highlight of my career. I take away memories and friendships that will last a life time and for that I am very thankful.
I want to thank all the Players, Coaches and everyone involved with Cricket Scotland.
It has been an absolute honour and privilege to represent my Country and I wish everyone the best of luck for the future.”
Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer added, “I was gutted to hear about Matt’s unfortunate early retirement.
It is always a difficult time for any player to hear a teammate, colleague and most of all friend, has had to hang up his boots through injury, and it is a shock to the system.
I feel for Mach during this tough time, but he must still take huge heart from what he achieved as a professional. As well as being an exciting county pro, playing in two Word Cups for Scotland against the world’s best is something some players can only dream of.
There have been several players who have stood out during my career for various reasons, Mach is most certainly on that list.
His superb skill, competitive nature, exciting personality, indescribable desire to win – as well as the odd well/poorly timed dance move – gives a good idea of what Mach offered as a teammate.
His bulldog attitude taught not only individuals but the entire Scotland squad a few lessons. His presence will be seen for years to come within this group, his powerful attributes and passion for the game has played its part in shaping our current culture, which will no doubt help pave Scotland’s path towards Full Member status.
He will be a huge loss and will be missed amongst the players and staff at Cricket Scotland. Whatever direction his career takes, we wish him all the best for the future and there is no doubt it will be a success.”
Cricket Scotland would like to wish Matt all the best in his future endeavours.
Watch Machan’s Scotland Highlights
