Upset, Angry, Disappointed: David Willey Vents His Anger After Not Receiving A Central Contract From ECB

A couple of days after announcing his shock retirement from international cricket, England pacer David Willey has stated that he is angry and disappointed over not getting a central from the ECB.

The ECB recently announced the new batch of central contracts and the left-arm pacer was the only member of England’s World Cup squad who did not get a contract. Disappointed by the unexpected snub, he announced his retirement midway through the World Cup. David Willey will bring down curtains on his international career after the conclusion of the ongoing competition.

He made his England debut in 2015 and did not take long to become a regular member of the white-ball teams. The 33-year old was also looking set to play in the 2019 World Cup but was replaced by Jofra Archer at the last moment. After that heartbreaking setback, he made another remarkable return to the team and was part of the English squad for the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups.

David Willey on not getting a central contract:

With the T20 World Cup lined up next year, David Willey would have hoped for at least a one-year central contract from the ECB. However, the board decided otherwise, making it easier for the pacer to bring down curtains on his international career. In a recent interview, he did not shy away from expressing his feelings over the unfortunate snub and stated that he was ‘upset, angry, disappointed.

“Upset, angry, disappointed. I think that, for me, made my decision a lot easier,” he told Sky Sports.

“These conversations around contracts all happened before we came out [to the World Cup]. I knew I was the only one that didn’t have one.

“It was difficult. I felt, with two World Cups in 12 months, and knowing my position in the squad should there be injuries or whatever, I’d have a chance. I’m not involved in how these things are put together and who selects them. I don’t necessarily have to agree with them, but there are decisions to be made and I have to respect that,” he added.

In the ongoing World Cup, he was not picked in the playing eleven for the first three games before being recalled. Since then, he has been one of England’s best performers. In 3 games, he has picked up 5 wickets in addition to scoring nearly 50 runs.