Shauna Kavanagh, Ireland's middle-order batsman, has announced her retirement from international cricket. The 31-year-old cricketer, who has performed well in Ireland's cricketing career, has decided to hang up her international football boots after a remarkable career spanning over a decade.

Irish cricketer Shauna Kavanagh announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday (19 August) at the age of 31.

Having played 27 ODIs and 58 T20Is, Kavanagh's career in international cricket has been one of notable contributions. Her last appearance on the international stage was in September 2022 in the T20 World Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh. Despite being selected for the recent T20Is against the Netherlands, Kavanagh didn't get a chance to step onto the field.

Kavanagh's international career has included participation in the 2016 and 2018 T20 World Cups and she was also in the squad for this year's edition. Her passion for the sport continues as she plans to continue her cricket journey with her club, Pembroke Cricket Club and as a member of the Scorchers in the Evoke Super Series.

"The decision to retire from international cricket is something I've been thinking about for a while and now seems like the right time to end my playing career with Ireland." She added: "Cricket for Ireland Gaming has been an important part of my life for a very long time and there is no doubt that this will be an emotional transition," Kavanagh was quoted as saying.

Kavanagh said her international career was full of rewards and thanked all Cricket Ireland staff and team members for their support.

“My international career has been an extremely rewarding journey and I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities and experiences I have had. I would like to thank the staff at Cricket Ireland for their continued support, particularly all the support staff I have worked with over the years," added the 31-year-old.

Ed Joyce on Shauna Kavanagh

Ireland women's team head coach Ed Joyce praised the 31-year-old player, calling her a team player and also praising her hard-working skills. The manager later added that she would be absent.

“Shauna is the epitome of a team player, a hard working professional player who was always striving to improve and grow her game. Even that she made the decision to develop wicketkeeping skills late in her career is an example of how she always had an eye on the needs of the team and through hard work has developed into a truly competent keeper. "She will be greatly missed but will continue to be involved in the Super Series where she can share her experience and knowledge with the next players to come through the system," said Ed Joyce, Ireland women's head coach.

Shauna played her first game for Ireland in both formats in 2011. In the 20-over format, she played 41 games in which Kavanagh hit 345 runs and hit 206 runs in 20 50-over matches. Shauna Kavanagh became a wicketkeeper later in her career.