David Lloyd: Former Derbyshire and Glamorgan captain retires aged 33

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.”

Lloyd was also a keen amateur footballer, supporting Wrexham AFC before their rise through the Football League, and has moved back to the Wrexham area with his family.

Congratulations to David Lloyd as he brings down the curtain on his professional career. He was not only an excellent cricketer but a hugely popular and supportive teammate. 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.