Often find they dont retire - they just want too much money. They leave their club then want 100,00+ - which no-one can afford. You can watch the bidding rounds go down - and no-one buys them.
Given that they are normally on central contracts this would be unlikely in real life.
And some good players do retire in the 20's. Injury normally - from no-where and that's it. At Worcs we have had many good players leave in the last 20 years in their 20's . (Ellcocks / Spiring / Mirza (RIP) etc) All amongst the top of their respective averages at the club when injury (or worse) hit. Don't forget Ben Hollioake (
) and Where did Mark Lathwell go after playing for England. What happened to Nicky Peng from the batter we saw three years ago (I know he still plays - but in 2002 he was awesome) - same for Aftab Habib, Chris Silverwood, Ashley Metcalfe...the list of those who should have made it but didn't is a long one.
It happens - Good players go bad or dissapear (it's realistic)...doesn't make it any better though does it...
Clarker