Ireland cricketer Kim leaves for greener pastures in Australia

Dublin, June 24 (IANS) Ireland all-rounder Kim Garth could turn out for Australia in the future after leaving Irish cricket to accept a two-year contract with Victoria, as per a ESPNCricinfo report.

“While I have accepted the offer, it was not an easy decision to make,” Garth was quoted as saying by the website.

“To leave family, friends and the whole Irish cricket community was a very difficult decision and one I did not take lightly. However, my ambition has always been to be a full-time professional cricketer and to play at the highest level. A chance like this doesn’t present itself too often, so I am keen to seize this opportunity.”

The 24-year old has played 34 ODIs and 51 T20Is for Ireland.

“I will miss being part of the Irish squad, and indeed all the staff I have worked with at Cricket Ireland – I am very grateful and conscious of the opportunities afforded to me by Cricket Ireland over the years. But I have also learned a lot living and playing cricket in Australia and hope that, at some future time, I can bring this experience home and give back in some way.”

Kim has had WBBL stints with Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers.

Shaun Graf, Cricket Victoria’s general manager of cricket, said. “Kim has played a lot of cricket within Australia in recent seasons and brings further international experience to the squad. She will play as an overseas player initially however she intends to apply for permanent residency allowing her the opportunity to hopefully one-day play for Australia.”

–IANS

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