NEW DELHI: Expressing his frustration, David Willey stated on Friday that the England board's decision not to award him a central contract was the decisive factor that led to his retirement at 33.
This decision, which came amid England's disappointing performance in the ongoing World Cup, served as the "final nail in the coffin," making his choice to retire much easier.
Willey's announcement to retire from international cricket follows the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) determination not to extend a central contract to him for the 2023-24 cycle.
This unexpected turn in his career, combined with England's challenging World Cup campaign, prompted Willey to make the decision to step away from international cricket, feeling that the lack of a central contract played a significant role in that choice.
"That (central contract snub), for me, was, probably, the final nail in the coffin really, and it made my decision a lot easier.
"But these conversations around contracts all happened before we came out, so when we joined up at Lord's I knew I was the only one that didn't have one. It was difficult," Willey told Sky Cricket.
"I was upset, angry and disappointed. But I respect their vision, and don't have to agree with them."
Willey on Wednesday announced that he will retire from international cricket after the end of the World Cup but insisted that his team's underwhelming performance in the showpiece has not influenced his decision.
"I feel with two World Cups in 12 months, knowing my position in the squad, should there be injuries or whatever, I'm a chance and feel like I'm always a chance. I'm not involved in how these (things) are put together, who selects them.
"I don't necessarily have to agree with them. But you know, there are decisions that are made and I have to respect them, and I make decisions based on how I feel around them."
Willey made his international debut in 2015 against Ireland in Dublin and has since played 70 one-day internationals (ODIs), securing 94 wickets, and 43 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), claiming 51 wickets. The left-handed all-rounder has contributed 627 runs in ODIs at an average of 26.12, including two half-centuries.
In the ongoing World Cup, Willey has participated in three matches, displaying his bowling prowess by taking five wickets. Throughout his international career, Willey has been recognised for his contributions both with the ball and the bat, establishing himself as a valuable player in limited-overs cricket for England.
"Over the last six to eight months, the landscape's changing," he said.
"It's always been hard for me to make sure I'm in (England) squads and I've got no guarantees, and the anxiety leading up to every selection. Then when I am playing, looking over my shoulder, it starts to weigh heavy on you and I've done that for a long time now.
"I was desperate to play in this World Cup and it was great to be here. But you know all that rolled into one. I just felt I've given my all and I don't think I can do that anymore."
England have endured a forgettable campaign, managing just one victory from their six matches. They play traditional rivals Australia on Saturday.
Willey, a T20 World Cup winner, was asked why he decided to announce his retirement now instead of waiting for the showpiece to get over.
"Towards the back end of the summer, I knew it was always going to be around this time. I knew it was coming. I wasn't sure what my involvement would be in the white-ball stuff in England before we came. (I) made the side here, and I've managed to get into the side and perform," said Willey, whose career spanned eight years.
"I just feel that there's not very many opportunities in cricket to walk away when the time is right for you. And I really wanted to finish my career, whatever my involvement is in these last three games, able to enjoy it, and not carrying the weight of this decision, and looking over my shoulder thinking if I'm not performing, I'm out of the side again.
"I just feel that there's not very many opportunities in cricket to walk away when the time is right for you. And I really wanted to finish my career, whatever my involvement is in these last three games, able to enjoy it, and not carrying the weight of this decision, and looking over my shoulder thinking if I'm not performing, I'm out of the side again.
"To have played three games …and that game against India, full crowd in a World Cup in India. I walked out to bat there, they were doing a strobe light show, you know, and I thought as I walked down the steps, I thought I'm done."
(With PTI inputs)
