Steven Croft, Lancashire's long-serving all-rounder and key member of their 2011 Championship-winning team, has officially retired from professional cricket at the age of 39.
Having stepped away from first-class and List-A formats after the 2023 summer, Croft played this season on a T20-only contract. However, he has now announced his full retirement and will transition into a coaching role with Lancashire’s staff.
Croft’s final game came earlier this month in Lancashire's Vitality Blast quarter-final loss to Sussex, marking his 600th appearance for the club across all formats. Debuting in 2005, Croft amassed 19,183 runs and took 199 wickets with his offspin. His most memorable moment came in 2011, when he hit the winning runs against Somerset at Taunton, sealing Lancashire’s first County Championship in 77 years. Four years later, Croft captained Lancashire to their maiden T20 Blast title at Edgbaston, defeating Northamptonshire in the final.
Between 2006 and 2018, Croft played 148 consecutive T20 matches for Lancashire, setting a record for England. He concludes his career as the club's leading T20 run-scorer, with 5,486 runs.
Reflecting on his career, Croft expressed his gratitude, saying, “My childhood dream was to play just one game for Lancashire, and it turned into 600. After over two decades at the club, I’ve decided to retire. I’ve lived my dream and beyond. The 2011 Championship and 2015 T20 Blast will forever be unforgettable highlights, along with being awarded my county cap and captaining the team.”
Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s Director of Cricket, praised Croft’s contributions, stating that he embodied the club’s values and consistently put the team first. Chilton highlighted Croft’s passion and dedication, noting how his influence had shaped countless match-winning performances. Although Lancashire will miss his presence on the field, Chilton expressed excitement that Croft would continue developing the club’s younger talent in his new coaching role.
Chilton also commended Croft’s quick transition into coaching, remarking on the positive impact he has already made and expressing anticipation for his further growth in this next phase of his career.