David Willey revealed that he had considered pulling out of the World Cup as late as the day that the team flew to India at the end of September. He announced his retirement after learning that he had not been offered a central contract for 2023-24, and finished the tournament with 11 wickets at 23.54. Willey believes that he could have played a valuable role at the T20 World Cup next June, had he been offered a contract. However, he said that today was his last game of cricket for England. He had doubts over whether he should travel to India after learning that he was the only squad member without a central contract. Willey removed both Pakistan openers in his final match, taking his 100th ODI wicket and winning the Player of the Match award. He said he wanted to leave international cricket on his own terms and hoped that he had proved managing director Rob Key wrong. Willey will continue to play domestic and franchise cricket and has contracts with Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Welsh Fire.
