Derbyshire wicketkeeper Harvey Hosein forced to retire due to concussion

The 25-year-old missed much of the 2021 season with the issue; he has suffered four recent concussions and twice left the field due to concussion protocols last summer, the second of which ended his campaign

Derbyshire wicketkeeper Harvey Hosein has retired from professional cricket due to struggles with concussion.

The 25-year-old missed much of the 2021 season with the issue; he has suffered four recent concussions and twice left the field due to concussion protocols last summer, the second of which ended his campaign.

His decision to leave the game follows an assessment from Derbyshire’s medical team and a specialist consultant in order to prevent future injury.

Hosein said: “Retiring early from the game has been the hardest moment I’ve faced in my professional career. I have been lucky enough to enjoy eight professional seasons as a homegrown player; an ambition I held since joining the club at the age of 12.

“I am extremely grateful for the support I have received during my time at Derbyshire and would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone at the club, both on and off the field. This is not how I envisaged or wanted to leave the game; however, I have made lifelong memories during the past 13 years at Derbyshire.

“The loyalty and support that I received from members and supporters is something I will always cherish – it has meant a huge amount to me over the years. I look forward to joining them in supporting the club as I look to the future and a new career path.”

^{Hosein holds the records for the most catches in a first-class game by a Derbyshire wicketkeeper and the equal-most in the world for the most catches on debut}

Hosein played 83 matches for Derbyshire, with a top score of 138 not out, while his 11 catches against Surrey remain a record for the most in a first-class game for the county by a wicketkeeper.

He will continue to receive support from the club, as well as through the Professional Cricketers’ Association as he pursues a career in finance. Hosein is a previous winner of a PCA Futures Award, with which he used the resulting bursary to gain a qualification in investment management.

Derbyshire chief executive Ryan Duckett added: “I’m deeply disappointed for Harvey and as a club, it’s unfortunate to lose a talented and homegrown cricketer, but players’ health must always come first.

“There are risks associated with any contact sport and cricket is no different, particularly at this level. The club’s medical staff and Harvey himself have followed the ECB’s concussion protocols thoroughly and there is no doubt that in doing so have in all likelihood prevented further injury.

“Harvey has acted professionally throughout his time with Derbyshire and has been a great ambassador for the club and the sport. He’s an intelligent young man with a bright future ahead of him. On behalf of the club, I wish him all the very best and we will support him in any way we can as he begins a career outside of cricket.”