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Ben Wells, the promising Gloucestershire wicketkeeper-batter, has been forced to retire from professional cricket at the tender age of 23 due to a rare heart condition. Wells, who made his Gloucestershire debut in 2021, has been diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), the same condition that prematurely ended the career of former England batter James Taylor.

Wells’ diagnosis came during a routine heart test during Gloucestershire’s pre-season medical assessments. ARVC is a condition that affects the heart muscle, causing it to become weakened and enlarged. It can lead to potentially fatal arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats.

The diagnosis has been a devastating blow to Wells, who had been making a name for himself as a white-ball cricketer. He scored an impressive 43 not out from 22 balls in Gloucestershire’s Vitality Blast victory over Hampshire last year.

In an open letter on Gloucestershire’s website, Wells expressed his gratitude to the doctors who diagnosed his condition early on. “This is something that I never thought I would have to write,” he said. “As tough as it is, this diagnosis has likely saved my life, and in time I hope that I can see it in that light.”

Wells honed his skills at Monkton Combe School near Bath, where he became the school’s all-time top run-scorer. He progressed through the ranks at Somerset’s Academy before completing his Physics degree at the University of Exeter. After signing for Gloucestershire in 2021, he completed a Business Analytics Masters alongside his cricket commitments.

Gloucestershire expressed their devastation at Wells’ retirement, but emphasized their gratitude to the medical professionals who diagnosed his condition promptly. “While everyone at Gloucestershire is devastated for Ben, a hugely talented cricketer with a bright future ahead, we are incredibly grateful to both the club’s medical professionals and those externally who acted quickly to diagnose Ben’s heart condition at the earliest opportunity,” the club said in a statement.

Wells added: “I’m very thankful for everything that cricket has given me throughout my life, from the friends I’ve made, the places I’ve been able to visit, and the many memories that I’ve made along the way. Cricket has been a massive part of my life for as long as I can remember, it’s been all I’ve ever wanted to do.”

Despite the setback, Wells remains optimistic about the future. He will be fitted with a cardiac defibrillator to enable him to live a normal life away from the field of play. “I could never have imagined that this is the path that cricket would have taken me down,” he said. “I’ve loved every moment and am very grateful to have had the chance to live out a part of this dream, even if it was only for a few years.”