Ireland allrounder Simi Singh is seriously ill, as confirmed by the Irish cricket board on Thursday. The 37-year-old has played 35 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 53 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for Ireland, showcasing his skills as a spinner and a lower-middle-order batsman. His last appearance for the national team was at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, and he last played competitive cricket a year ago for Leinster Lightning in the Inter-Provincial List A tournament.
Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom released a statement that conveyed, "We have received shocking news indicating that our friend Simi Singh is currently grappling with life-threatening health issues. On behalf of Cricket Ireland and the wider Irish cricket community, I would like to extend our heartfelt wishes and prayers to Simi as he embarks on this difficult battle."
"Simi has become an integral part of Irish cricket since moving to Ireland, demonstrating an unwavering commitment and determination at international, provincial, and club levels. We hope that this same resolve will help him navigate through these challenging times."
As of now, the specifics of Singh's illness remain undisclosed. He has achieved 39 ODI wickets at an average of 25.92, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 3.99, and has claimed 44 T20I wickets at an average of 27.84 with a commendable economy of 7.61. In 2021, he had a standout year in ODI cricket, securing 19 wickets at an average of 20.15 and recording his highest ODI score of 100 not out against South Africa, contributing notably to a significant chase. His remarkable performances earned him a spot in ESPNcricinfo's men's ODI Team of the Year for that season.