Ireland women’s cricket team all-rounder Arlene Kelly announced her international retirement on September 6, 2026, following the final one-day international against England in Worcester. Born in New Zealand, the 32-year-old concluded a four-and-a-half-year career with 135 international wickets, ranking third all-time for Ireland.
The announcement came confirmed on September 6, 2026, bringing an end to a rapid ascent in international cricket that began when the Auckland native crossed hemispheres to join Malahide CC as an overseas player.
From New Zealand Domestic Fields to the Emerald Isle
Born on January 8, 1994, Kelly leveraged her Irish heritage to move to Ireland in 2022 to experience domestic play as an Irish passport holder. She made an immediate impact upon her arrival, picked to play in the Evoke Super Series where she scored 60 runs and claimed 3-35 in a Player of the Match performance.
That domestic dominance fast-tracked her into national selection. She made her international debut against South Africa on June 3, 2022, at Pembroke Cricket Club after moving to Ireland from her native New Zealand. In that debut fixture, she claimed 2-25 to help the Irish side upset the visiting South African squad—who entered as World Cup runners-up—by 10 runs as the Irish side upset the then World Cup runners-up by 10 runs.
Milestones and the Standout 2023 Season
Over four and a half years, Kelly became a fundamental anchor for the side, featuring in 110 of the 117 matches played by Ireland Women since Kelly’s debut. Her medium-pace swing bowling and accuracy yielded 135 international wickets across formats making her the third-highest wicket-taker ever for Ireland behind Isobel Joyce and Laura Delany.
Her standout campaign arrived in 2023. During a T20I fixture against the Netherlands that year, she delivered her career-best bowling figures of 5/12 to dismantle the Netherlands batting lineup. That stellar year brought individual accolades, including Cricket Ireland’s Women’s International Player of the Year for 2023 alongside the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for August 2023 for her performances during August.
Beyond her bowling exploits, Kelly contributed 601 runs across white-ball cricket scoring 601 runs across white-ball cricket, with top scores of 35 in both ODIs and T20Is. Her leadership was further underlined in 2025 when she stepped into the captaincy role in the absence of regular leaders Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast.
Closing the Chapter in Worcester Against England
Kelly’s final appearance unfolded on Sunday at New Road in Worcester at the conclusion of Ireland’s one-day international series with England. In her final ODI series outings, she picked up a wicket in each of the first two matches.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to represent Ireland over the past four-and-a-half years and I’ve been fortunate enough to make so many amazing memories both on and off the field. However, the time feels right to hang up the boots and head back to New Zealand to be around my family and friends.”
Arlene Kelly, Ireland all-rounder
Reflecting on her departure, Ireland captain Gaby Lewis shared warm praise for the outgoing all-rounder offering warm tributes following the announcement.
“Arlene has become such a special part of our team over the last four years. She came over to Ireland as an overseas player for Malahide CC and I don’t think any of us could have imagined then just how important she would become to our group. She has given so much to us, both on and off the field, and has been someone we could always rely on.”
Gaby Lewis, Ireland captain
What Lies Ahead for the Squad
Kelly’s return to New Zealand to spend more time with her family and friends leaves a notable void in the Irish bowling attack and lower-order batting depth. As the squad transitions away from one of its most dependable overseas-turned-national mainstays, management will look to younger prospects to fill the leadership and wicket-taking gaps left by the retiring 32-year-old.
