Jacob Oram to retire

[Celeste]

BLACK Caps superstar Jacob Oram is expected to announce his international retirement from test and one-day cricket within days. The injury-prone allrounder, who left the recent ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa without playing a game due to a hamstring complaint, has been assessing his future since arriving home. It's understood Oram has had discussions with New Zealand Cricket about retiring and he could front a press conference as early as tomorrow to reveal his plans. It's expected Oram – a veteran of 33 tests and 132 one-dayers – will stand down from both forms of the game but may make himself available for the Black Caps' Twenty20 team. He has kept a low profile since returning from the Champions Trophy in South Africa and was reluctant to comment to Sunday News when contacted last night. "I am obviously gutted with my latest injury and missing out on an ICC event – these events are particularly special," he said. "At the moment I am spending some time assessing my future and trying to work out what is best for me and the Black Caps." New Zealand Cricket Players Association executive manager Heath Mills was also reluctant to comment but indicated an announcement on Oram's future was imminent. "Jacob, I know, has been thinking pretty hard about his future at the moment," Mills said. "He's had a horrible run with injury of late and there's no question the demands of playing cricket 11 months of the year across the three formats is starting to take its toll on his body. "Unfortunately, as we all know, this is not a new issue for Jacob to contemplate. But he is an intelligent and thoughtful guy who, I am sure after due process, will make the right decision for his cricket whatever that may be." Oram, 31, recently signed a new international playing agreement with NZC. But his decision to retire from at least some forms of the game means there is a chance he will be released from that deal. Mills wouldn't comment specifically on Oram's situation but said discussions would take place with NZC if any centrally contracted player was to call it a day. "If a player wants to retire from one form of the game or another or retire completely, we would need to work through a process with NZC to see how it can be managed contractually," he said. Oram began his stellar international career in 2001 against Zimbabwe in Wellington. But despite being considered by many to be one of the world's best allrounders, his time as a Black Cap has been blighted by injury. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-news/sport/2952123/Oram-calls-it-quits

[Dirty_South]

ooh..that's sad,but he had frequent injuries and I think this is the best decision for him.

[Guest Hiten.]

How long before someone plays it on IPL/CL $ offerings ? Even without understanding the real reason why he is stepping down. Would you want players to be in the fray despite them being injury prone ?

[Mr. Wicket]

I am at least glad Oram got through his press conference without any further injury, given his tendencies.

[Rajiv]

:haha::haha:

[Rajiv]

PS. Why is considered an evil thing to do if someone plays IPL after retiring/injured? Playing for the national team demands way lot v.s once a year tourney in which u might play be in the field for 1-2 hrs-- which fetches a good coin.

[Cricketics]

It's sad the amount of injuries he has had. He was good but not great. Thats how NZ cricketers have been. Another sudden end. A total Giant Cricketer from NZ. Loved his passion for the game to always come back and give his best even in Injury. I remember he had a fractured finger or something and yet he played a game and took one stunning catch with it in tri series in Australia

[Guest Hiten.]

PS. Why is considered an evil thing to do if someone plays IPL after retiring/injured? Playing for the national team demands way lot v.s once a year tourney in which u might play be in the field for 1-2 hrs-- which fetches a good coin.

That is the problem here now. I am rest assured that MOST of the people who here on ICF rant over cricketers' choice over going for the extra bucks are themselves in search of heaving their bank accounts, but it suddenly is a sin for the cricketer to do the same. Some people think cricketers are in some way obliged to satisfying their (arm chair critics) needs. Whoever chooses to go for IPL/CL offerings let them do so, there are enough people out there to fill in their shoes. Quite simple, really.

[Lord]

I think he should continue to play important ODIs.hes a massive player for Kiwis.having him in WC would be a gr8 thing for them.tests he can retire

[gaurav92]

he had to retire as hes career has had more injury days than normal days, its a good decision as now hes permanently out and nz can pick one particular player (Grant Elliott) and keep him for the long run

[ViruRulez]

How long before someone plays it on IPL/CL $ offerings ? Even without understanding the real reason why he is stepping down. Would you want players to be in the fray despite them being injury prone ?

Oram is not a star player and CSK might not keep him in the team in their next contract

[CSK Fan]

How long before someone plays it on IPL/CL $ offerings ? Even without understanding the real reason why he is stepping down. Would you want players to be in the fray despite them being injury prone ?

But the truth is, if he hadnt had an option of those IPL earnings, he might have wanted to continue in the national team despite injuries. IPL does make it easier for the current player to make a choice. i am not saying its a bad thing though