On Thursday, the invaluable all-rounder and former Free State confirmed his retirement OFM Sports. Botha, who made his debut for Free State in October 2009, leaves the game with an impressive body of work.
Across 137 first-class matches, the 36-year-old amassed 7,736 runs at an average of 44.20 – a testament to his reliability at the highest level.
His tally includes 17 centuries and 42 half-centuries, with a record of 212 unbeaten in his career highlighting his ability to anchor and dominate innings. He also hit 1,043 fours.
Patrick Botha scored 7736 runs in first-class cricket for the Free State. Photo: Morgan Piek
Away from the red-ball arena, Botha was equally committed in the shorter formats, playing 116 one-day matches and 57 T20 matches for the province, further underscoring his value as a multi-format contributor.
In one-day cricket (List A), Botha scored 2701 runs in 116 matches, with a highest score of 109*. He averaged 27.84 runs, scored two tons and 15 half-centuries.
His influence peaked during the 2017-2018 season, when he stood head and shoulders above his peers. Botha finished as the leading points scorer in the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge with 276 runs, while she also topped the charts in the 3-Day Cup with a whopping 716 runs.
That purple patch continued into the following campaign, where he again led from the front, scoring 544 runs in the 2018/19 3-Day Provincial Cup and emerging as Free State’s leading wicket-taker in the One-Day Challenge with eleven scalps.
Patrick Botha hit more than 1,000 fours in his first-class career. Photo: Morgan Piek
That performance perfectly reflected his all-round value. A calm and technically sound batsman, Botha built his game on patience and discipline, while his off-spin provided control and timely breakthroughs, making him a reliable cricketer in any format.
As his career progressed, so did his influence within the team. By 2019, Botha had emerged as a senior leader and captained Free State in the Provincial T20 Cup. In that role, he became a leading figure in the locker room, mentoring younger players while continuing to contribute on the field.
Over the course of his career, he not only surpassed 7,700 first-class runs at an average of 44, but also claimed more than 130 wickets – a rare mix that speaks of his versatility and cricketing intelligence.
Patrick Botha also played an important role in leading the team. Photo: Morgan Piek
While international accolades may have eluded him, Botha’s impact on South African domestic cricket is undeniable. He leaves as a cornerstone of the Free State set-up – a player who epitomized consistency, professionalism and quiet excellence.
“After 17 unforgettable years in professional cricket, I have made the decision to retire from the sport that has shaped my life from a very young age,” Botha told OFM Sport.
“Growing up off the pitch and watching legends like Hansie Cronje, Boeta Dippenaar and Allan Donald inspired a passion that never faded. Living that dream for almost twenty years is something I will always be grateful for.
Patrick Botha during the One-Day Cup 2024/25 Photo: Morgan Piek
“Every opportunity to take the field has been a privilege. I have been fortunate that, apart from a few broken fingers, injuries have never kept me away from the game for long. Looking back on my career, I am immensely proud of playing 310 matches, scoring over 11,200 runs and taking 239 wickets across all three formats – contributions I am proud to have made to Free State Cricket.
“There have been many special moments along the way. Winning the 2016/17 4-Day Franchise Series stands out, as did last season when we secured all three Division 2 trophies. No matter the level, success had to be earned, and achieving it together as a team made it all the more meaningful. The journey – through both the highlights and the challenges – is something I will cherish forever.
“This decision has not been an easy one, especially as there are still opportunities available for the upcoming season. Cricket is all I have ever known. However, at 36, I believe this is the right time to step aside and give the next generation the opportunity to grow and experience the game. I do so with pride, having averaged over 50 last season and over 44 in my first-class career, the format I loved most.”
Patrick Botha and Gihahn Cloete. Photo: Morgan Piek
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone at Free State Cricket. From the administration, led by Johan van Heerde and Rafeek Ismail, to the coaches, including Rudi Steyn, Sarel Cilliers, Allan Donald and JP Triegardt, and the dedicated ground staff, led by Martin Vusi Tlhake and Bennet Stoffel – your support and dedication have made this journey possible.
“As I step away, I do so as a proud cricketer, grateful for the memories I have made and the friendships I have formed along the way. Most importantly, I would like to thank my wife, parents, brothers and extended family and friends. Your continued support has meant the world to me.
“For the game I love, be good to those who are good to you.”
He leaves on a high as his contributions during the 2025/26 season helped the team to an unprecedented domestic treble and promotion to Division 1.
Botha will go down in history as a true legend of Free State cricket.
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