Ben Wells, the wicketkeeper-batter for Gloucestershire, has been compelled to retire from professional cricket at the young age of 23 due to a rare heart condition diagnosis.

Wells, who debuted for Gloucestershire in 2021, managed to score 40 runs from 94 balls in his only first-class innings, played against Glamorgan at Cardiff in September of that year. His most recent notable performance was an unbeaten 108 runs - his only professional century - against Durham in last season's Metro Bank One-Day Cup.

However, in a statement posted on Gloucestershire's website, Wells disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), the same condition that led former England batter James Taylor to retire at the beginning of the 2016 season.

The condition was detected during a routine heart test conducted as part of Gloucestershire's pre-season medical evaluations. It necessitates him to refrain from intense physical activity, leaving him with no option but to retire from his career. He will undergo the installation of a cardiac defibrillator to allow him to lead a normal life off the field.

"This is something that I never thought I would have to write," Wells said in his open letter. "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."

Wells added: "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. I will always be incredibly proud to be able to say I was a professional cricketer."