McDermott Granted Release

McDermott, 30, wrote to QC CEO Terry Svenson recently requesting a release so that he and his family could return to Tasmania where he played eight seasons after making his initial first class and one-day debuts for Queensland as a teenager.

Svenson said Queensland Cricket was saddened to farewell the home-grown player for the second time in his career.

“Ben was very upfront and genuine with us, as he has been throughout his career,’’ he said.

“While not the outcome we were hoping for, he and his family come first and we respect and understand his reasons for doing so,’’ he said.

“We told him that he will always be welcome in Queensland and certainly wish him every success in the future,’’ Svenson said.

McDermott thanked Queensland Cricket for its understanding and support.

“It was an incredibly tough decision to make, and not one I envisaged would be on the cards when we returned in 2023,'' he said.

“On behalf of Mandy and our kids, we’d like to thank everyone at Queensland Cricket for their backing and generous support. I’m very grateful to the Bulls players, coaches and support staff for making the past two seasons both personally rewarding and very enjoyable,” McDermott said.

After eight seasons with the Tigers, McDermott rejoined Queensland in 2023 and played 17 first class and 16 one-day games for the Bulls over the past two seasons. He scored 950 first class runs and 475 one-day runs for Queensland in that period.

The right-hander won the Ian Healy Trophy at the end of his first season back with the Bulls, finishing as the leading runs-scorer in the One Day Cup including a top score of 143 and two half centuries, and a first class season that featured a top score of 146.

Queensland Cricket will now review its options around replacing McDermott in the State contracted playing list for the coming summer.

McDermott made his international debut in T20Is in 2018 and has since represented Australia in both T20 and ODI formats, with his most recent appearances coming in 2023.