Ireland batsman Andrew Poynter retires from international cricket

Ireland batsman Andrew Poynter announced his retirement from international and inter-provincial cricket at the age of 29, due to his off the field commitments. Poynter made his debut in 2008 against New Zealand and has represented the country in 19 ODIs and 19 T20s.

Poynter, who was also a part of the Ireland team in the recently concluded World T20, said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and also cater to his own business.

"I have always found it tough to manage an international and inter-provincial cricket career whilst having to juggle running my own business, AP Sports," Poynter said. "I'm head of youth coaching at Clontarf CC and have other coaching roles as well as a young family. I feel that I can still perform at inter-provincial level and scored runs this season, but I do not want to stand in someone's way who has a dream of playing for Leinster Lightning and Ireland.

"I am looking forward to developing my coaching career - I have nearly finished my level three award and [am] keen to move to level four in the near future. But most of all spending more time with my family with a bit less stress," the right-hander added.

Poynter also served as the skipper of the national team during their home series against Sri Lanka A in 2014. In his limited-over career, he has a total of 474 runs and three half-centuries at an average of 19.61 in ODIs and 19.90 in T20S.

Ireland roped in Poynter as a replacement for the injured Paul Stirling during the World T20, after an approval from the ICC's Event Technical Committee. He has featured in two World T20s. along with his brother Stuart Poynter, who is a wicket-keeper batsman.

The London-born cricketer made his first-class debut at 18, playing for Middlesex against Cambridge UCCE in 2005. His scored his highest 78 runs during the 2010 ICC World Cricket League Division One against Afghanistan and won the match for Ireland.

"I am so proud of my achievements in an Irish jersey, especially captaining my country and playing in two World Cups. I'll miss the green jersey but this is the right decision for me. I'd like to thank all involved in giving me the opportunity to pursue my dream," he added.

Poynter's last appearance was in March 2016 against the Netherlands, in which he was dismissed for a first-ball duck in a rain-hit match.