Meg Lanning Clears The Air Regarding International Cricket Retirement

Former Australia Women's captain Meg Lanning has at last broken her silence regarding the personal tribulations that precipitated her abrupt retirement from international cricket at the age of 31. In a recent interview, Lanning illuminated her private struggles with an unhealthy relationship with exercise and food. These battles, unbeknownst even to her closest teammates, ultimately led her to step away from the game. Lanning, typically reserved, had taken a six-month hiatus from cricket following the Commonwealth Games in 2022, utilizing the time to embark on travels and work in a coffee shop.

Upon her return, she steered Australia to a triumphant T20 World Cup title in February 2023 but shockingly withdrew from last year's Ashes series due to undisclosed medical reasons. Meg Lanning candidly addressed the identity crisis she grappled with outside of cricket, a plight concealed even from her teammates and dearest friends.

Her revelation sheds light on the often unspoken personal battles that elite athletes endure behind the scenes, illustrating the importance of mental health awareness and support within the sporting community. Lanning's courage in sharing her struggles serves as a poignant reminder that strength and vulnerability are not mutually exclusive, and seeking help is a sign of resilience, not weakness.

"It sort of just spiralled and I was in denial, even though everyone kept telling me something wasn't quite right. I was not in a place to be able to go on tour and play cricket and give the commitment levels required for that Ashes series, mentally and physically," the former Australia skipper Meg Lanning said on The Howie Games podcast.

Meg Lanning, renowned for her dedication to fitness, found herself consumed by her exercise regimen and stringent dietary control. This obsession led to a significant weight loss, dropping from her usual 64 kilograms to just 57 kilograms. Consequently, her diminished weight took a toll on her concentration and strained her relationships with friends and family. Despite these challenges, Lanning demonstrated resilience on the field, leading Australia to victory in two intense T20 World Cup finals.

At 32 years old, Lanning also disclosed her post-retirement aspirations. Beyond the cricket pitch, she unveiled her affection for coffee, hinting at a potential future as a café owner. This surprising revelation showcased a different side of the Australian legend, highlighting her multifaceted interests beyond the realm of sports. Despite the struggles with her health and personal life, Lanning's determination shone through in her athletic achievements, cementing her legacy as a cricket icon.

"I got down to about 57kgs from 64kgs. The ratios were out of whack a lot. I did not realize (it affected) my ability to concentrate. It was just all out of whack and I kept sliding. At some point, it's got to stop, “ she added.

"I love sport, so the sport will be involved in the next step. I love coffee, I do have this one vision of maybe one day owning my coffee shop," Lanning concluded.