Tom Mackintosh has announced his retirement from professional cricket with immediate effect, bringing an end to his six years with Durham and his international career with Scotland, as he looks to pursue his university degree in Real Estate.
A product of Durham Cricket Academy, Tom represented the club from under-15s level before going onto make his first-class debut for the club in 2022.
His first-class career got off to the dream start with a maiden 50 on debut and 6 catches behind the stumps against Derbyshire, going onto play four first-class games through the 2022 season.
He claimed 21 catches behind the stumps over four first-class games including a superb diving catch to dismiss Billy Godleman for 3.
The 20-year-old represented the club with distinction, making 15 appearances in both red and white ball cricket, scoring a first-class best of 51 and List A best of 53.
Wicket-keeper batter Mackintosh has represented Scotland on the national stage 12 times, taking part in two World Cup qualifiers, while he was part of the Under 19s national team playing in two World Cups.
He made his full international debut in Nepal in February 2023, helping Scotland to secure the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 trophy. Some important innings followed in the summer at the ICC World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, where Scotland fell just short of a sensational qualification for the 50-over World Cup.
Tom made his final Scotland appearances in July at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier against Austria and Denmark, helping the nation to success and qualification for the forthcoming 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
On his retirement Tom Mackintosh said: “I just want to say a massive thank you to all the Durham players, staff, and members for their support since I joined the club as an Academy cricketer.
“Durham gave me the opportunity to play professional cricket, something I am very grateful for; it has been a huge part of my life for the last few years and something I’ll look back on with immense pride.”
“I have loved being part of this great county, representing the club has been a real privilege but I now believe I am at the time in my life when it is time to focus on the next step and a career away from cricket.
“Durham will forever bring back special memories, and I wish everyone at the club the best of luck for the future.
“It was a massive honour for me to represent my country – the pinnacle of what I could achieve in a sporting environment. All three trips abroad I took with the national team were great fun and I was able to make some great friends along the way. A big moment for myself was sharing my debut in Nepal with a very good mate of mine, Jack Jarvis, so I’ve got some fond memories to look back on.
“I would also like to say a huge thanks to everyone at Cricket Scotland for putting their faith in me, not just at national team level but also throughout the age group programme. I was very lucky to have the opportunities that I did and will cherish the great memories with those I worked with.”
Durham Director of Cricket Marcus North added: “Tom has been a valuable and popular member of our squad for the past few years.
“He has acted professionally throughout his time with Durham and has shone on the international stage with Scotland.
“He’s an intelligent young man with a bright future ahead of him and we totally support his decision to progress within his Real Estate degree.
“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.”
Toby Bailey, recently Interim Head of Performance at Cricket Scotland, said: “We are sad to see Tom leave cricket at this time in his career but fully back his decision and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
“Tom is a product of the Cricket Scotland Performance Academy Partnership with Napier University and Durham Academy. He has proved his worth playing for Scotland’s national team and was a valued member of our squad which qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. His contributions in two successful Men’s U19 World Cup campaigns helped the team hugely.
“We wish Tom the best for the future, and he will always be welcome back at Cricket Scotland.”
