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Ryan Carters, founder of Batting for Change and batsman and wicketkeeper for the New South Wales Blues and the Sydney Sixers, today announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket.
Carters, an ACT product who began his career with the Victorian Bushrangers in 2009, before shifting to NSW in 2013, is leaving the game to pursue higher education with the goal of leadership and service.
“In Australia, as in many other countries, professional sportspeople have a reach and reputation, an ability to influence, that is far outside the boundaries of their sporting achievements,” Carters said. “I’ve never been more grateful for that than when I founded Batting for Change and watched it grow and directly transform the lives of disadvantaged young women in need of higher education.”
“At the same time, I’ve always been conscious that you can’t play cricket forever. I’m ready to see if I can find a way to work for social change, for greater fairness in life, that doesn’t depend on my sporting pursuits. I’m sure it won’t be easy to do that, so the sooner I can get started, the better.”
Carters, whose career highlights include winning the Sheffield Shield and Matador One Day Cup with the NSW Blues, and scoring 209 against New Zealand while representing the Cricket Australia XI in 2015, has opted not to see out the remainder of his contract with the NSW Blues.
“I am immensely grateful to have represented the NSW Blues, Sydney Sixers and Sydney University Cricket Club. I feel a great fondness for my teammates and the staff at each of these organisations, and I’ll treasure the memories that we share. However, I’m now ready to pursue new kinds of challenges.”
A student of philosophy, politics and economics at the University of Sydney, Carters says the way forward after cricket will start with learning.
“I’ve had twin passions in my life since I can remember – cricket and learning.” Carters said. “I’m at the point where, after eight rewarding years of professional cricket, it’s time for me to follow the other path I’ve always felt as strongly about. I’m looking forward to pursuing further study at home and abroad.”
The founder of Batting for Change expressed special gratitude towards those who have supported the organisation. “I’m very grateful to everyone who has supported Batting for Change over the last four years – whether through a monetary donation or volunteering their time and energy. I’m extremely proud of what we have achieved together, of the hundreds of lives we have helped to change, and I’m even more excited about what we can achieve together in the future.”
Carters will continue to develop Batting for Change in partnership with The LBW Trust.