"After a fulfilling 17-year journey in professional cricket, I am announcing my retirement from the sport. This decision marks the end of an incredible chapter of my life and the beginning of a new adventure," Worker, who started his professional career with Central Districts and ended it with Auckland, said. "Throughout the course of my career, I've forged some great friendships that will last a lifetime and memories I will cherish forever."

Overall, in 169 List A games, he scored 6721 runs at an average of 43.64 and a strike rate of 79.85 with 18 centuries and 37 half-centuries. His first-class (6400 runs at an average of 29.49) and T20 (3480 runs at a strike rate of 123.57) numbers were less impressive.

A part-time left-arm spinner, Worker finished with 58 first-class wickets to go with 60 in List A cricket and 42 in T20s.

"Whilst his immense leadership and experience will be sorely missed in the Aces environment, we're hugely excited for him as he embarks on this next chapter in his career," Auckland Cricket's head of performance and talent Evan Jones said. "George will, of course, remain an important part of the Auckland Cricket family, and we look forward to seeing what that may look like in the future."

The immediate future will be far away from cricket.

"As I close this chapter, I am excited to embark on the next phase of my life with Forsyth Barr, who have offered me a fantastic opportunity," Worker said. "I look forward to bringing the same passion and dedication to my new role with them."