Open letter from Ben Wells
May 1, 2024
This is something I never thought I would have to write. Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with a heart condition called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. This disease is aggravated by strenuous exercise. Unfortunately, this means that I unfortunately have to retire from professional cricket immediately and will need a defibrillator implanted within the next few weeks. Although harsh, this diagnosis likely saved my life, and I hope that in time I will be able to see it in that light. I am very grateful to the doctors who caught this problem as soon as possible.
I'm so grateful for everything that cricket has given me throughout my life: the friends I've made, the places I've been able to visit, and the many memories I've made along the way. Cricket has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember and it was all I ever wanted to do. Through playing in the garden with my brother as a child, going to Bath Cricket Club's summer camp every school break, playing in the age groups at Exeter University and through my time in Gloucestershire. , it has always been my dream to play cricket. It was the driving force behind everything I did. I never could have imagined that cricket would lead me down this path. I have loved every moment of it and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to make part of this dream come true, even if it was only for a few years.
From failing to sign a contract at the age of 18, to being given a chance by Gloucestershire at the age of 21, to suffering numerous serious injuries and tearing him down, ending his first and only professional career, he had many ups and downs. It was a journey. I hurt my hamstring in my last inning. But I always look back on everything as fond memories.
I would like to thank everyone who has helped me so far. Bath Cricket Club introduced me to cricket for the first time and supported me throughout my journey. We would like to thank Moncton Combe School for their support. At Somerset County Cricket Club he was given the opportunity to play for each age group team and later the entire academy. Exeter University helped me go from being an uncontracted player to being offered a professional contract three years later. Gloucestershire County Cricket Club believed in me and gave me the opportunity to play professionally. Millichamp and Hall and my agent Johnny Hughes have supported me throughout my professional career. To the players, coaches, physios, supporters and all my friends who have been here and made this game so special. To my brother who spent hours raising crickets in the garden, even though he was always cheating. And finally, thank you to his parents. None of this would have been possible without everyone's support, sacrifices, and endless hours pushing me to training and competing.
Finally, I would like to thank all my friends, family, Gloucestershire and the PCA for their continued support over recent weeks as I dealt with this news. I couldn't have gotten through it without them.
I will always be incredibly proud to say that I was a professional cricketer.
thank you,
ben wells