Dean Elgar to retire from professional cricket after 2026 County season

Former South Africa captain Dean Elgar announced he will retire from professional cricket at the end of the 2026 County Championship season. The 39-year-old played 86 Tests for South Africa before committing his final three seasons to Essex in the County Championship.

Elgar scored over 5000 Test runs at an average of 37.65, including 14 centuries and 23 fifties. He captained South Africa in 13 Tests before ending his international career in 2024.

Elgar said the decision allows him to spend more time with his family. His retirement comes after a career spanning more than two decades across domestic and international cricket.