Cape Town - Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk has announced his retirement from all professional cricket.
Van Wyk, who played nine Tests for the Black Caps, will head back to his country of birth, South Africa, where he will take up a full-time role with TuksCricket Academy at the University of Pretoria.
“While it always a tough decision, I feel the time is right to take on an opportunity outside of playing the game, working as Director of Cricket at Pretoria’s TuksCricket Academy," Van Wyk told the Black Caps’ official website.
“I’m extremely privileged to have lived my dream as a professional cricketer for the past 17 years and I would like to thank my family and friends for all their love and support during this chapter. My proudest moment was representing New Zealand at Test level, and I’m eternally grateful and indebted to New Zealand for the opportunity it has provided me and my family.
“To the Titans, Canterbury and Central Districts, I sincerely thank you for the opportunities you have given me and I will take away many great memories.”
“I would also like to thank all my team-mates who have supported me throughout my career. To the CD team, all the best for the remainder of the season, and thank you for understanding my decision to leave the game to take up this next opportunity.”
Van Wyk started his professional cricketing career with the Titans before moving to New Zealand in 2006, where his career spanned 10 years (four years with Canterbury and six years with Central Districts).
A talented wicketkeeper, Van Wyk finished with 671 career dismissals (616 catches and 55 stumpings) and holds the Central Districts’ record for most dismissals in a season (40 in 2014/15), most dismissals in a match (10 in 2014/15), and most catches in a match (10 in 2014/15).
Van Wyk was also an accomplished batsman, scoring 6 734 first-class runs at an average 39.61, including seven centuries, with a highest score of 178 not out.