Zimbabwe pacer Kyle Jarvis retires from international cricket

Kyle Jarvis, the 24-year-old Zimbabwe medium pacer, announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on Sunday (August 18). Jarvis cited job security as the main reason for his decision, and it follows the recent pay dispute between Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) and players.

"I have held off a few opportunities over the last few months but my decision was made about a week ago when the pay disputes arose and I felt my time to leave had come," said Jarvis in a statement.

Jarvis, who played for Essex in the Second XI Championship in 2011 and first-class cricket for Central Districts in New Zealand for two years, said he planned to pursue a career in county cricket and Twenty20.

"I have retired from international cricket to pursue a county and global T20 career. We have had a few teams interested but me and my agents have agreed on a three-year deal at a top English county," he said.

"I really hope the fans and public can understand my reasons for leaving. I informed my team mates yesterday that I would be leaving and they were supportive and fully understood why I was doing this."

Jarvis, who made his international debut in 2009, ended his career with 30 wickets from eight Tests. He also appeared in 24 One-Day Internationals and nine Twenty 20 Internationals. Most recently, he took four wickets in the three matches he played against India in the ODI series at home.

Jarvis joined a long list of Zimbabwe cricketers who have quit international cricket, with reasons varying from Robert Mugabe's policies in the mid 2000s to financial disputes more recently.