• Despite her stellar career, which included securing two ICC Women’s Cricket ODI World Cup and five ICC Women’s T20 World Cup titles, Lanning decided to step away from the game at the young age of 31.

  • At the time, she didn't disclose the reason behind her sudden retirement.

Australia’s Meg Lanning finally reveals the reason behind her sudden retirement from international cricket
Meg Lanning (Image Source: Twitter)

Meg Lanning, the captain of the Australian women’s cricket team, sent shockwaves through the cricketing world when she announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket in November 2023. Despite her stellar career, which included securing two ICC Women’s Cricket ODI World Cup and five ICC Women’s T20 World Cup titles, Lanning decided to step away from the game at the young age of 31. At the time, she didn’t disclose the reason behind her sudden retirement.

The hidden reason behind Meg Lanning’s retirement

However, recently, Lanning opened up about her decision, revealing that her unhealthy obsession with exercise and inadequate food intake played a significant role. In a candid conversation on the ‘Howie Games podcast’ with Mark Harvard, Lanning shared her private health battle for the first time. She disclosed that her fixation on exercise and imbalanced diet resulted in significant weight loss, ultimately leading her to withdraw from the Ashes 2023 series.

“I was over exercising and under fuelling. I got to the point where I was doing about 85-90km a week. I was in denial. It became a bit of ‘I am going to show you’ sort of thing. It sort of just spiralled. I was not in a place to be able to go on tour and play cricket and give the commitment levels required for that (2023) Ashes series mentally and physically,” Lanning said.

“I am naturally fine spending time with myself but there were very few people who I would want to engage with. I would get really snappy – real moody – if anyone asked anything. I got down to 57kg from 64kg. It wasn’t ridiculous (but it was) significant. The ratios were out of whack. I did not realise (it affected) my ability to concentrate. I didn’t really want to see other people. I disengaged a lot from friends and family,” the 32-year-old added.

“It (running) became a bit of an obsession. I could escape mentally. I would throw the headphones in but would not take my phone with me. I would have my Apple watch with me and listen to music. Nobody could contact me,” the Singapore-born cricketer stated.

Also READ: Cricket Australia reveals Women’s central contract list for 2024-25 season

Prioritizing well-being in high-performance sports

Lanning admitted that her physical appearance and behavior were visibly affected by her health struggles, making it evident to her teammates that something was amiss. Her revelation sheds light on the pressures and challenges faced by athletes, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental and physical well-being in a high-performance environment.

“I think they knew something was up. I couldn’t see anything in my appearance but (others) could see it. And everything that comes with it. You become grumpy. Not talking to many people. Not being able to concentrate. Not sleeping. Your head just goes round and round and it’s not a nice place to be,” Lanning admitted.

“I dreaded night-time because I knew I would go to bed and not be able to sleep. That would make me so mad. I would just get more angry with myself. If you can’t sleep you can’t do anything. I’ve learnt that regardless of who you are there is always something happening. I guess I have realised how much telling to people and letting them know can actually help even if they don’t have an answer,” the former Aussie skipper concluded.

Also READ: Asha Sobhana, Sajana Sajeevan get maiden call-up as BCCI unveils India Women squad for Bangladesh tour

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Australia Featured Meg Lanning

For latest women cricket news and updates, Follow Us.

About the Author:
Amar is a sports enthusiast and a talented writer who has found the perfect career that combines his two passions. As a valuable member of Cricket Times, Amar brings his passion for cricket and his talent for writing to the fore, providing readers with insightful and engaging content. Cricket lives rent-free in his mind. A person who views cricket as a metaphor for life. You can connect with Amar at amar.bhalla@crickettimes.com and also follow him on LinkedIn.