Chris Woakes criticizes Rob Key over England retirement handling

Former England all-rounder Chris Woakes has criticized England Men's Cricket Managing Director Rob Key regarding the manner in which his international career concluded. In his forthcoming autobiography, ‘The Wizard’, Woakes describes the end of his 14-year career as ‘cold’ and ‘shabby’.

Woakes expressed disappointment that Key publicly announced he was not in England's plans before having a private discussion with him. While Woakes acknowledged his omission from the 2025/26 Ashes squad and the termination of his central contract, he felt the communication protocol was disrespectful.

Woakes noted that despite having a generally good relationship with Key, the two have barely spoken since the incident. He suggested that while Key may not have intended the sting of his public comments, the managing director could have held a private conversation rather than addressing the press first.