Ex-Glamorgan and Derbyshire skipper Lloyd retires

David Lloyd played for Welsh Fire in the Hundred in 2021

Former Glamorgan and Derbyshire captain David Lloyd has retired from professional cricket at the age of 33.

All-rounder Lloyd spent 12 years on Glamorgan's staff, leading the club in 2022 and 2023, before moving to Derbyshire late in the 2023 season and taking over as captain for 2024.

He played a total of 127 first-class matches, scoring 5,915 runs with a highest score of 313 not out for Glamorgan against Derbyshire.

St Asaph-born Lloyd also took 115 wickets, mostly with seam before switching to spin late in his career.

"I've been fortunate to enjoy more than a decade in professional cricket and have some fantastic memories. I've made friends for life and will always be proud of what I've achieved in the game," said Lloyd.

"I feel the time is right to step away and pursue the next stage in my career. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Derbyshire, as well as to my family and friends, for their continued support."

Lloyd began his county career in 2012 as a bowling all-rounder before making a success of batting in the middle order, and was later persuaded to move up to an opening batter's role.

His high point as Glamorgan captain was in 2022, when the Welsh county won six Championship games and finished third in Division Two after challenging for promotion.

He also played in a total of 128 limited-overs games, with a high score of 97 not out for Glamorgan in a 16 overs a side Blast match against Kent in 2016, while his best white-ball bowling was 5-53 against the same opposition in the One Day Cup at Swansea the following year.

"It's going to be a big loss to the game," said Chris Cooke, his predecessor as county captain.

"I've known Dai since I arrived in Cardiff in 2010, we lived together for a few years so he's been a really good friend and a really good captain of Glammy.

"He's a really dangerous player as well, so it's a shame to see someone like that go out of the game, and everyone at Glamorgan would wish him all the best."

Glamorgan director of cricket Mark Wallace also played with Lloyd during his spell at Sophia Gardens.

"He was not only an excellent cricketer but a hugely popular and supportive teammate," said former wicketkeeper Wallace.

"He and his family should be very proud of everything he has achieved over the years. We look forward to seeing David back at Sophia Gardens and wish him well for the next steps that he takes away from the playing field."

Lloyd joined Derbyshire on loan for the One Day Cup during the 2023 season and was due to return to Glamorgan for the final block of Championship matches, but was unable to do so because of injury.

Having led Derbyshire in his first full season with the midlands county he relinquished the captaincy prior to the 2025 season, and his final county match was a Championship game against Leicestershire in July.

"Lloydy has had an excellent career and it's been a pleasure to work with him for the last two years," said Derbyshire's head of cricket Mickey Arthur.

"He always gives his all. I have the upmost respect for him as a cricketer and an individual and we will continue to support him in his next steps."