Yorkshire’s Barney Gibson, youngest ever first-class cricketer, retires aged 19

Four years after becoming the youngest first-class cricketer in county history, Yorkshire’s Barney Gibson has retired from the sport – aged just 19. The Leeds-born wicketkeeper entered the record books in 2011 when he lined up against Durham University just 27 days after his 15th birthday.

That match proved to be his only appearance at senior level, and he never again progressed from the second XI. In his last game for the second string he did not bat or keep wicket, instead sending down 3.3 overs for 29 runs.
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“This was a difficult decision to make,” Gibson said in a statement on the county’s official website.

“I would like to thank the players and staff at Yorkshire for their support. I have been involved with the club since I was 11 and I feel that now is the right time for me to look at a career change.

“The support from my parents has been tremendous and I would like to thank ... England [assistant] coach Paul Farbrace, who I had a close working relationship with.”

Yorkshire’s director of cricket development Ian Dews, said: “Everyone at the club wishes Barney well. It is very much his decision. We hope that the next chapter in his life is very successful.”