Gloucestershire 'devastated' at Ben Wells' sudden retirement
He is stepping away from the professional game after being diagnosed with a heart condition
Last updated 1st May 2024
Gloucestershire Cricket say they're 'devastated' at the announcement of Ben Wallis' forced retirement.
He's stepping back from the professional game at the age of just 23 after he was unexpectedly diagnosed with a heart condition - called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy - otherwise known as ARVC.
He's been told by doctors to avoid 'vigorous exercise', and how will have to be fitted with an implantable cardiac defibrillator to help manage the condition and allow him to live a normal life away from the field of play.
He's been called by the club as a 'hugely talented cricketer' who had a 'bright future ahead' - and he's now being supported 'through what is undoubtedly a very difficult time'.
His journey to Gloucestershire
He grew up playing cricket at Monkton Combe School near Bath - and finished as the school’s all-time top run-scorer.
From there, Ben went on up through Somerset’s Academy before completing his Physics degree at the University of Exeter.
He then signed for Gloucestershire in July 2021, a time in which he was also doing his Business Analytics Masters degree,
Ben has played for Bath CC more than 100 times under the 1st XI - until 2023, which was his 'breakout year' for Gloucestershire.
He impressed bosses with his 'explosive performances' in the T20 Vitality Blast.
The Right-hander made his debut for Gloucestershire in List A cricket against Lancashire in July 2021 before making his first appearance in the County Championship against Glamorgan just two months later.
Ben has made 25 professional appearances for the Bristol-based side - with his last performance scoring 108 in their defeat against Durham in the Metro Bank Cup semi-final.
'Absolutely gutted'
Club Captain at Gloucestershire Cricket, Graeme van Buuren, said: “All of us players and staff are absolutely gutted for Wellsy, he was playing some of the best cricket of his career last season and we were all so excited to see what he could achieve in 2024.
“Ben has dedicated so much time and effort to cricket and even scored a century with a torn hamstring last season, so that speaks volumes of his character and talents as a cricketer.
“Most importantly, however, we will dearly miss Ben as one of our brothers within the dressing room - he is a fantastic human being and a really loved member of the squad. All of us are supporting Ben through what he is going through and will no doubt stay in touch.”
Head Coach, Mark Alleyne, added: “Ben being forced into retirement is the news every sportsperson dreads. He was in a great space with his cricket thanks to an insatiable practice ethic.
“I first met Ben in 2021 when I was assisting the coaching group and he was an exciting talent then. In the three years that have followed Ben managed to transform that early promise into a cricketer that would impact most teams. I was looking forward to seeing him do it for Gloucestershire.
“On reflection though and after feeling the huge waves of disappointment from his teammates and coaching staff; we can look back knowing that a possible catastrophe has been averted. It is that thought that offers us, and Ben of course, a margin of relief and I know he will move forward with dedication and make an impact in whatever he chooses to do next.
“Ben will be greatly missed by this group of players and cricket fans alike.”
Martin Cropper, Personal Development Manager at the PCA, commented: “The PCA is devastated to hear Ben’s news, however, we are grateful for the safeguards within the professional game that have enabled an early detection of his condition. Ben is a diligent individual who has worked tirelessly to create an opportunity in professional cricket and we are saddened that his career has been cut short.
“As a PCA member for life, we will continue to provide holistic wraparound support for Ben and help prepare him for whatever comes after his cricket career. He has shown great dedication to his dual career aspirations through his degree, masters and work experience. Player welfare is central to the PCA‘s agenda and a case like Ben’s is a further example of why we will continue to lobby stakeholders to put greater protections in place for our members.”
Ben's letter to fans
In a letter to fans, Ben said: "This is something that I never thought I would have to write. Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with a heart condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, a condition that is made worse by vigorous exercise. Unfortunately, this means that I must regrettably retire from professional cricket with immediate effect and will need a defibrillator implanted in the coming weeks. As tough as it is, this diagnosis has likely saved my life, and in time I hope that I can see it in that light. I'm very thankful to the doctors who have picked this up as soon as they could have.
"I'm very thankful for everything that cricket has given me throughout my life, from the friends I've made, the places I've been able to visit, and the many memories that I've made along the way. Cricket has been a massive part of my life for as long as I can remember, it’s been all I’ve ever wanted to do. From playing in the garden as a child with my brother, every break time at school, going to Bath Cricket Club summer camps, playing throughout age group sides, Exeter University, and throughout my time at Gloucestershire, playing cricket has always been my dream and driven everything I’ve done. I could never have imagined that this is the path that cricket would have taken me down. I’ve loved every moment and am very grateful to have had the chance to live out a part of this dream, even if it was only for a few years.
"It's been a journey full of ups and downs, from not gaining a contract at 18, to being offered the chance with Gloucestershire at 21, dealing with a number of major injuries, and ending my career with my first and only professional hundred on a torn hamstring in what is now my final innings; but I will always look back on everything with fond memories.
"I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in helping me along the way. Bath Cricket Club, who first got me into cricket and for supporting me during the entire journey. Monkton Combe School for their support. Somerset County Cricket Club for the opportunity to play throughout their age group sides and later their academy. The University of Exeter for helping to get me from a player with no professional contract when I joined to being offered one three years later. Gloucestershire County Cricket Club for believing in me and giving me the chance to play professionally. Millichamp and Hall and my agent Jonny Hughes for their support throughout my professional career. To all the players, coaches, physios, supporters, and friends who have been there along the way and made it so special. To my brother for the hours of garden cricket growing up, even if he did always cheat. And lastly a thank you to my parents, without who’s support, sacrifice, and endless hours driving me to training and games this would never have been possible.
"Finally, I would like to thank all my friends, family, Gloucestershire, and the PCA for all their ongoing support during the last couple of weeks in dealing with this news. I could not have got through it without them.
"I will always be incredibly proud to be able to say I was a professional cricketer."