---
title: "Ireland all-rounder Arlene Kelly retires from international cricket"
canonical: "https://readcricket.com/2026/09/06/ireland-all-rounder-arlene-kelly-retires-from-international-cricket/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "News"
published: "2026-09-06T19:46:26Z"
modified: "2026-09-06T19:46:26Z"
---

# Ireland all-rounder Arlene Kelly retires from international cricket

Ireland all-rounder Arlene Kelly has retired from international cricket following the third ODI against England in Worcester to return home to New Zealand.

The 32-year-old steps away after four and a half years with the national side, finishing as the country’s third-highest international wicket-taker with 135 dismissals. Since her debut against South Africa in 2022, she featured in 110 of Ireland’s 117 matches.

## Transformation From Malahide Recruit

Initially arriving to experience domestic cricket as an overseas player for Malahide CC, Kelly rapidly established herself as an irreplaceable asset. Her medium-pace swing consistency yielded 601 white-ball runs and earned her the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for August 2023.

She provided reliable control for the bowling unit, a stability unlike teams attempting a [drastic spin bowling gamble](https://readcricket.com/2026/09/05/sai-kishore/) to arrest poor form. When senior leaders were unavailable in 2025, she stepped up as stand-in captain.

## Rebuilding Ireland Bowling Depth

Her departure creates a significant operational challenge for head coach Lloyd Tennant and captain Gaby Lewis. They must now construct a new bowling attack ahead of upcoming ICC cycles, following a tough [clean sweep by England](https://readcricket.com/2026/09/06/sophia-dunkley-century-helps-england-sweep-ireland-3-0/) this week.

Tennant confirmed the structural void her retirement leaves behind.

“Arlene will be a big loss to Irish cricket,” Tennant said. “She’s been so reliable and handles pressure situations extremely well.”

Lewis added: “Arlene has become such a special part of our team over the last four years.”

Kelly relocates to New Zealand immediately as Ireland prepare their squad for the next international cycle.