Sports
Money forced me to quit Zimbabwe and play county: Taylor
Nottingham, April 16
Former Zimbabwe batsman
Brendan Taylor has said his decision to retire from international
cricket and play for English county Nottinghamshire was primarily
because of financial benefits.
Taylor reportedly earned around
250 Australian dollars before tax for his World Cup efforts. In
contrast, established county cricketers could expect to earn between
A$95,000 and A$244,269, according to the Professional Cricketers'
Association.
Taylor quit international cricket after the World cup.
"It
is every international player's dream to put on their country's shirt,
that is why we play the sport. But our careers do not last forever and I
want to go and play in a great set-up, which Notts has provided for
me," Taylor was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au on Thursday.
"It
was not an easy decision but I guess every player would be lying if
they say they are not trying to maximise on potential earnings."
Money
is an issue that has been plaguing Zimbabwe cricket for long and Taylor
is not the first player to look overseas for financial security.
In
2013, talented young batsman Craig Ervine refused a central Zimbabwe
Cricket contract in favour of playing club cricket with Northern Irish
side Lisburn and Grade cricket for Morley in Western Australia, while
fast bowler Kyle Jarvis retired at 24 to play for county side
Lancashire.
"You are posed with difficult challenges and choices
but it is a positive one that I have taken, it has been a special 11
years but I had to think about my family and my future. I am excited
about being able to play a lot of cricket, playing in a very
professional environment and with wonderful facilities," Taylor said.
Taylor
also said Zimbabwe’s poor tour of Bangladesh late last year, which saw
them lose the Test series 0-3 and ODI series 0-5, was another factor
behind his retirement.
"We were on tour in Bangladesh and I
struggled, we all did as a team, and the enjoyment factor went out of
the window a little bit, that is when I thought this is end and I spoke
to an agent and made sure I had a plan B in place. I just thought time
is running out for me," he concluded.