Ireland leg-spinner Ben White has announced his retirement from representative cricket at the age of 28, bringing an international career spanning all three formats to an end.
White finished with 41 wickets for Ireland, having played his last international match against Bangladesh in December 2025. He was part of the Ireland Wolves squad that toured Bangladesh in 2021 before making his senior international debut later that year.
The right-arm wrist-spinner represented Ireland at three ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, in 2021, 2024 and 2026. He was particularly effective in the shortest format, where his variations in flight and pace made him a valuable part of the Irish bowling attack. White averaged a wicket every 20 balls in T20 cricket, with his best
figures of 4/20 coming against Afghanistan in 2024.
White also represented Leinster Lightning, Northern Knights and Munster Reds at inter-provincial level. He finished as the leading wicket-taker in the 2021 Inter-Provincial T20 Trophy, claiming 17 wickets at an average of 10. His best return in the competition was 5/13 against Munster Reds.
At club level, White spent most of his career with Phoenix Cricket Club, apart from a few seasons with CSNI in Belfast. He played a key role in Phoenix winning the Irish Senior Cup in 2024, taking 5/34 against Merrion.
Reflecting on his retirement, White said representing Ireland at three T20 World Cups and playing Test cricket were achievements he would always be proud of.
“I’d like to thank Cricket Ireland for giving me the opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream of representing my country and playing cricket at the highest level. Representing Ireland at three ICC T20 World Cups and playing Test cricket definitely wasn’t on the bingo card but It’s something I’ll always be incredibly proud of, and I’ll be forever grateful for the experiences and memories I’ve made along the way,” he said.
Ireland Men’s head coach Gary Wilson paid tribute to White’s commitment and contribution, saying he would be missed within the squad.
“Ben will be fondly remembered for his T20 cricket the most,” Wilson said, highlighting White’s ability to extract bounce and bowl at great pace. He added that selection for three T20 World Cup squads reflected the regard in which White was held.
Wilson also congratulated the spinner on a career built through sustained effort and dedication to achieving his ambition of representing Ireland.
