James Harris, the former Glamorgan and Middlesex seamer who made his first-class debut at 16 and went on to become chair of the Professional Cricketers’ Association, has announced his playing retirement on the eve of the 2026 season.
Harris, 35, began and ended his career at Glamorgan, having made his first-class debut against Nottinghamshire in May 2007. In his second appearance, which spanned his 17th birthday, he became the youngest player ever to take ten wickets in a County Championship match, with figures of 12 for 118 including 7 for 66 in the first innings.
He later bettered that haul after a mid-career move to Middlesex, when he claimed 9 for 34 against Durham at Lord’s in 2015, which remain the best post-war figures ever recorded at the venue.
He came close to England recognition, featuring for the Under-19s and England Lions, while also being called into full squad for a white-ball tour of New Zealand in 2013. He went on to serve two terms as PCA chair, from 2021 to 2025.
“It’s hard to fully express what the game has given me,” Harris said. “From starting out as a 16-year-old with a dream to playing professionally for over two decades. I feel incredibly fortunate for the journey I’ve been on. Cricket has shaped so much of my life.”
He retires with a final haul of 772 wickets across formats, including 623 at 30.59 in first-class cricket. With the bat he made a solitary hundred for Middlesex in List A cricket and passed a fifty 19 times in first-class cricket. Last season, he played an important role in Glamorgan’s promotion to Division One, claiming 22 wickets in ten appearances.
“I wish everyone at Glamorgan the very best for the season ahead,” he said. “While I know the timing is not ideal this close to the start of the season, this is undoubtedly the right move for me and my family. I’d like to thank the club for their understanding, and I leave the game with a huge sense of gratitude for everything it has given me and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”
Mark Wallace, Glamorgan’s director of cricket and former team-mate, added: “I’ve been fortunate to have known James throughout his cricketing journey. While the performances on the field will speak for themselves, it is his impact off the field which will be equally missed.
“James has been a superb role-model throughout, played the game in an excellent spirit and done everything in his power to elevate those around him. The game is losing one of its best.
“The club wishes James nothing but the best for his next chapter and we look forward to welcoming him back to Sophia Gardens in the future.”