Boyce retires to take up financial career

Matthew Boyce, the 29-year-old Leicestershire batsman, has announced his immediate retirement from the game to take up a new career in the financial sector.

Boyce has been associated with the club for 20 years, was awarded his county cap in 2013 and made his 100th first-class appearance earlier this season.

His final match was the Championship fixture against Gloucestershire, at Cheltenham, where he made 18 and 22 to leave with him a first-class tally of 4882 runs at 27.89 with six centuries.

He also made 67 List A and 55 T20 appearances, although one of his most notable performances came when he was not actually named in the playing XI. In the 2011 T20 final at Edgbaston he took four catches as the substitute fielder to help Leicestershire lift the trophy.

Boyce, who has a degree in Management and Economics, will now set up his own wealth management firm.

"I'd like to thank the club, including the coaches, support staff, players and supporters, for making my career in cricket so enjoyable," he said. "Although it is not easy knowing I am not going to play again, I'm excited about the next chapter in my life and taking on a new challenge.

"I've been fortunate to plan and prepare for life after cricket and would like to thank the PCA, in particular Charlie Mulraine, and club sponsor Peter Wilcox for their support. I've been coming to Grace Road for 20 years and nothing would make me happier than seeing my current team-mates do well in the future. Finally, I'd like to thank my family and close friends for all of their help and support."

Wasim Khan, the chief executive, said: "Matthew has spent his entire career at Leicestershire and we thank him for his immense contribution to the club.

"Matthew scored a lot of runs for the club and was also an excellent role model for our younger players. He was somebody who always played the situation and put the team first. I know Matthew will enjoy success in his new career in the financial industry and I'd like to wish him all the very best for the future on behalf of the entire club."