6 cricketers who retired earlier than expected

#3 Mark Boucher

Mark Boucher

Mark Boucher emerged as one of the greatest wicket-keepers of all-time in an illustrious career spanning 15 years. During those years, he was South Africa’s best wicket-keeper and was their mainstay. He holds the record for most number of dismissals as a wicket-keeper in all formats of cricket.

As middle order batsman, he has helped South Africa out of many dire situations. His performances behind the stumps and with the bat helped him win the South African Player of the Year award in 1998, 2000, 2006 and he was also named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2009.

Unfortunately, he was struck in the eye by a flying bail during South Africa’s tour of England in 2012. Due to severity of the injury, Boucher—who had planned to retire at the end of the tour—retired from international cricket on 10th July, 2012.