‘This diagnosis has likely saved my life’ - Gloucestershire cricket star Ben Wells retires aged 23 due to heart condition

Ben Wells received his diagnosis for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) following a routine test in pre-season.
Ben Wells has retired from cricket aged 23 due to a heart condition.Ben Wells has retired from cricket aged 23 due to a heart condition.
Ben Wells has retired from cricket aged 23 due to a heart condition.

Gloucestershire star Ben Wells has retired from professional cricket after being diagnosed with a heart condition.

Wells, who made 25 appearances for Gloucestershire across all formats between 2021 and 2024, has been described by the club as a ‘hugely talented cricketer with a bright future ahead.’

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The 23-year-old received his diagnosis for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) following a routine test in pre-season.

On the club’s website, Wells said in an open letter: "As tough as it is, this diagnosis has likely saved my life and in time I hope that I can see it in that light. I'm very thankful to the doctors who have picked this up as soon as they could have."

Wells had only recently signed a new one-year contract with the club last year, but the condition means he cannot undertake vigorous exercise, Gloucestershire said, and he will have a cardiac defibrillator implanted in the coming weeks.

Gloucestershire said in a statement: "While everyone at Gloucestershire is devastated for Ben, a hugely talented cricketer with a bright future ahead, we are incredibly grateful to both the club’s medical professionals and those externally who acted quickly to diagnose Ben’s heart condition at the earliest opportunity," 

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"The club, alongside the PCA [Professional Cricketers' Association], are actively supporting Ben through what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for him and his family."

Reflecting on his career, Wells said: “I’ve loved every moment and am very grateful to have had the chance to live out a part of this dream, even if it was only for a few years.

“It's been a journey full of ups and downs, from not gaining a contract at 18, to being offered the chance with Gloucestershire at 21, dealing with a number of major injuries, and ending my career with my first and only professional hundred on a torn hamstring in what is now my final innings; but I will always look back on everything with fond memories.

“I will always be incredibly proud to be able to say I was a professional cricketer.”

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