England seamer David Willey will retire from international cricket at the end of the World Cup, unhappy at missing out on a central contract.

England fast bowler David Willey announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday (November 1) amid the ongoing World Cup. The announcement comes just days after the ECB decided not to give him a central contract for the 2023-24 cycle.

Willey will retire after the World Cup but his announcement with three games remaining raises questions about whether England should use him against Australia, the Netherlands and Pakistan. His form means he should be the first-choice bowler, but he is clearly upset and annoyed at being the only member of the World Cup squad not to be included on the list of 29 contracted cricketers released by England & Wales earlier this month Mumbai Cricket Board was announced.

The left-arm pacer's performance in the ongoing World Cup has been one of the few positives in an otherwise disastrous season for the reigning champions. After being ignored in the first three games, he was called up to the playing eleven for the next three games. In these three games, the 33-year-old took five wickets and scored 42 runs at 27.20.

David Willey took to his social media accounts to announce the decision of his retirement from international cricket. The England star said he would end his international career after the World Cup “with great regret”.

“I never wanted this day to come. As a little boy, all I ever dreamed of was playing cricket for England. After careful consideration and consideration, I deeply regret that it is time for me to retire from all forms of international cricket following the World Cup.

“I feel I have much more to give on and off the field while still playing my best cricket and my decision has nothing to do with our performance during the World Cup,” wrote David Willey.

"I'm sure anyone who knows me has no doubt that no matter how committed I am as this campaign progresses, I will give it my all and more! That's the only way I know," he added.

He made his debut for England in 2015 and has played 70 ODIs and 43 T20Is so far. He was in the running to take part in the 2019 World Cup but failed due to the inclusion of Jofra Archer, who finished the competition as England's top wicket-taker.