NEWS
Follow UsEngland and Warwickshire all-rounder Chris Woakes has revealed that he has taken an indefinite break from cricket due to the untimely and unexpected passing of his father.
Woakes, who represented the Sharjah Warriors in ILT20 2024, was expected to feature for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after being purchased for INR 4.20 crore at the auction.
However, the 35-year-old did not take part in the IPL, nor did he represent Warwickshire in County cricket.
On May 31 (Friday), the all-rounder took to Instagram to announce the reason for his absence from the sport.
"The last month has been the most challenging of my life when unfortunately my Dad passed away at the beginning of May," Woakes wrote in a story posted on Instagram.
"I've spent the last few weeks with the people most important to me, my family. We're all obviously grieving and trying to get through what is undoubtedly the hardest moments in our lives.
"It's times like this that perspective is at its greatest.”
But Woakes confirmed in the post that, when the time is right, he will resume playing cricket for both England and Warwickshire.
"I will be back playing cricket for Warwickshire, who my Dad loved dearly when the time is right for me and my family. I know playing cricket for Warwickshire and England made my Dad incredibly proud. I look forward to doing that again in the near future,” he added.
Woakes’ last appearance for England came in the T20I series against West Indies in December.