Andrew Poynter announces retirement

Andrew Poynter, the Ireland batsman, has announced his retirement from international and inter-provincial cricket at the age of 29. He had been part of Ireland's T20 squad at the World T20 in March, but had not played ODIs since September 2014.

Poynter played 19 ODIs and 19 T20Is in an international career that began in 2008. He scored a combined 474 runs and three half-centuries, averaging 19.61 in ODIs and 19.90 in T20Is. He featured in two World T20s, with his brother Stuart, a wicketkeeper-batsman, also part of Ireland's squad in the 2016 edition.

"I have always found it tough to manage an international and inter-provincial cricket career whilst having to juggle running my own business, AP Sports," Poynter said. "I'm head of youth coaching at Clontarf CC and have other coaching roles as well as a young family.

"I feel that I can still perform at inter-provincial level and scored runs this season, but I do not want to stand in someone's way who has a dream of playing for Leinster Lightning and Ireland.

"I am looking forward to developing my coaching career - I have nearly finished my level three award and [am] keen to move to level four in the near future. But most of all spending more time with my family with a bit less stress.

"I am so proud of my achievements in an Irish jersey, especially captaining my country and playing in two World Cups. I'll miss the green jersey but this is the right decision for me. I'd like to thank all involved in giving me the opportunity to pursue my dream."