Madsen retires from domestic T20 cricket

Derbyshire Falcons’ all-time leading T20 run-scorer, Wayne Madsen, will retire from domestic T20 cricket after Sunday’s fixture against Leicestershire Foxes.

Only three players in history have more Vitality T20 Blast runs than Madsen, who has amassed more than 5,000, including two centuries.

The 42-year-old remains available for Rothesay County Championship and Metro Bank One-Day Cup cricket this season, but will not take part in next summer’s Vitality T20 Blast.

Madsen was a key part of the Falcons squad which reached Finals Day in 2019, while his runs also helped Derbyshire to quarter-final appearances in 2017 and 2022.

A pioneer of the T20 game, his trademark became his innovation. His array of ramps, scoops, sweeps and power hitting making an in-form Madsen near impossible to bowl to.

Sunday’s fixture against Leicestershire Foxes at The OurCoop County Ground will be a celebration of Madsen’s illustrious T20 career, with special in-ground interviews and Madsen-themed giveaways.

On his decision, Madsen said: “I’ve given this decision a lot of thought and, after many conversations with Kyla, the girls and Mickey, I felt the time was right to step away from domestic T20 cricket with Derbyshire.

“Living and playing between the UK and South Africa means family time has become more precious than ever, and this decision allows me to find a better balance between continuing my career at the level I expect of myself and spending more time at home with my family in South Africa.

“I still have a huge desire to play and compete for Derbyshire and firmly believe I have plenty more to contribute in the longer format of the game. Captaining this Club continues to mean a great deal to me, and I remain fully committed to helping Derbyshire achieve success, challenge for silverware and push for promotion.

“This is certainly not a retirement from cricket. I still intend to continue playing white-ball cricket internationally for Italy and in franchise competitions when opportunities arise, but stepping away from the domestic T20 game gives me the opportunity to better manage that balance going forward.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to share a dressing room with some outstanding teammates and coaches throughout my T20 career at Derbyshire, and I’m grateful for the friendships and memories that have come with it.

“A special thank you goes to the Falcons supporters who have backed me throughout the years. The support that Kyla, the girls and I have received from Derbyshire supporters has meant a huge amount to us and is something we’ll always be grateful for.

“I’ll always look back on my time in Falcons colours with immense pride and I’m excited for what lies ahead, both for this talented group and for the next chapter of my own career.”

Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, added: “Wayne is more than simply a Derbyshire Falcons legend, he is a Vitality T20 Blast legend, and he deserves to have his T20 career celebrated with all of our brilliant supporters.

“No words could do Wayne’s impact on T20 cricket at Derbyshire justice, he’s the Club’s best-ever player in the format and I’m privileged to have coached him over the last five seasons.

“Even at the age of 42, the quality and innovation are still there and we look forward to what Wayne can continue to offer us moving forward.”