19-Year-Old Ireland Spinner Freya Sargent Announces Break from International Cricket

For personal reasons, Ireland spinner Freya Sargent has chosen to temporarily withdraw from international cricket. After playing 16 ODIs and 16 T20Is and taking 33 wickets in her white-ball career, the 19-year-old has chosen not to serve her country. After making her debut for Ireland in 2023, Sargent emerged as one of the country's most promising young players. After her impressive achievements at the first two Women's Under-19 T20 World Cups in 2023 and 2025, she was nominated for the ICC Women's Emerging Cricketer of the Year award in 2024.

Sargent just made her comeback from injury, and she most recently played for Ireland in the August ICC Women's T20 World Cup European Qualifier. The most recent white-ball series between Zimbabwe and Ireland was one she had missed. In Ireland's most recent centrally contracted players list, she was also given a full-time deal. In 2024, Sargent received a nomination for ICC Women's Emerging Cricketer of the Year.

Ireland Spinner Freya Sargent: 

🚨 Ireland Women’s cricket news 🏏

Freya Sargent, 19, is stepping back from international cricket for personal reasons. 32 caps, 33 wickets, big impact already.

🔗 Details: https://t.co/KmRXjM71jd#IrelandCricket#WomensCricket#CricketNewspic.twitter.com/3SZ4TdxlNb

— Cricket World (@Cricket_World) September 23, 2025

She has risen quickly in Irish cricket and is seen as a vital member of the bowling assault. Cricket Ireland has endorsed the decision to take a step back, with Director of High Performance Graeme West stressing the value of player welfare. After recuperating from an injury, Sargent had just rejoined the Irish team and was included in the squad for the August ICC Women's T20 World Cup European Qualifier.

In a September 23 official release, Cricket Ireland West stated, "Freya has been a valued member of the senior performance squad for the past three years, making a significant contribution both on and off the field. She has been an integral part of the team. Cricket Ireland will continue to support Freya during this time. The Team Management Unit has all agreed that this is the best option available to Freya. Player well-being is paramount to us and takes precedence over everything else."

The fact that she was added to Ireland's most recent nationally contracted player list shows how confident the team management is in her skills. Her effectiveness with the ball was further demonstrated in August when she returned figures of 3/38 versus Italy Women, her most recent performance.

Watch this space for more cricket news and updates.