Western Province batsman Yaseen Vallie retired from professional cricket this week.
Vallie’s first-class career started in 2009. He played 56 first-class fixtures for Western Province, 51 for the Warriors, 32 for the Cape Cobras and three for Border.
He hit 16 first-class centuries, with a highest score of 167 for the Cobras against the Titans in 2011. Vallie also played 124 List A and 59 T20 matches – and hit one limited-overs century.
“Retirement from a professional sport career is not an easy decision for a player to make. However, when you have had an illustrious career like Yaseen has had, it makes it easier as he can look back on his career with pride, knowing he has left it all on the field of play,” said Western Province chief executive officer Corrie van Zyl.
“Yaseen was not just an excellent cricketer, but he is also a good human being – a characteristic that will stand in him in good stead for the next phase of his career. WP salute Yaseen Vallie for his excellent contributions to theWestern Province team andWestern Province cricket in general.”
Vallie added: I am still passionate about the game, something I have been doing all my life – I am now looking forward to giving back and helping where I still feel I can offer a lot in a coaching role.
“It’s very difficult two put things into words, I appreciate the opportunity and the friendships I have made and also helping Cape Cobras and Western Province in these years.
“I just need a little bit of a break, but I will definitely be looking to coach and help where I can and explore other avenues. I wish Western Province all the best. I want to see the team gets back where it should be – at the top and win trophies.”
Vallie has joined several other retiring professional cricketers this month, including the Dolphins’ Sarel Erwee, North West’s Matthew Kleinveldt, Easterns’ Divan Posthumus and South Western Districts’ Kelly Smuts.