George Worker quits cricket to join investment firm

George Worker. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

Former New Zealand cricketer George Worker has announced his retirement from professional cricket and has joined an investment firm. The 34-year-old played 12 international games for New Zealand, the last of which was played against Pakistan in 2018. In 2022, when Mark Chapman was ruled out due to COVID-19, Worker was called up to the ODI squad, but he did not feature in any of the matches.

He has been active in the cricketing circuit for 17 years and has played domestic cricket for Auckland, Canterbury and Central Districts. In his retirement speech, Worker talked about the friendships he had made during his career and stated to cherish them forever.

“After a fulfilling 17-year journey in professional cricket, I am announcing my retirement from the sport. This decision marks the end of an incredible chapter of my life and the beginning of a new adventure. Throughout the course of my career, I’ve forged some great friendships that will last a lifetime and memories I will cherish forever,” Worker was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Worker played 126 and 169 First Class matches and List A matches respectively. He has 6400 runs at an average of 29.49 in red-ball cricket and 6721 runs in List A. The Palmerston North-born cricketer played 154 T20s and has 3480 runs at a strike rate of 123.57 to his name. He also represented New Zealand in the U19 World Cup and more recently, he played a major role in helping Auckland Aces win the Ford Trophy in the 2021-22 season.

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Speaking about his upcoming job, Worker thanked Forsyth Barr for handing him such an incredible opportunity. He expressed to fulfil the role with the same passion and dedication.

“As I close this chapter, I am excited to embark on the next phase of my life with Forsyth Barr, who have offered me a fantastic opportunity. I look forward to bringing the same passion and dedication to my new role with them,” Worker said.