Brendon McCullum announces retirement from Big Bash League

What's the story?

Former New Zealand captain and wicket-keeper batsman Brendon McCullum has announced that the ongoing season will be his last stint in the Big Bash League.

McCullum is a part of the Brisbane Heat team which will play its last league game against Melbourne Stars. In case they do not make it to the play-offs, the game against the Stars will be the last game of his Big Bash League career.

The background

BMcCullum has been playing for the Brisbane Heat since the inaugural edition of the Big Bash League played in the year 2011/12. He has represented the side in 34 games and scored 920 runs with 9 fifties.

Besides that, the Kiwi star also led the Brisbane Heat in two seasons after his retirement from international cricket The opening pair of Chris Lynn and Brendon McCullum has been the key reason behind the team's success in the league.

The heart of the matter

After the match against Adelaide Strikers, McCullum informed his teammates about his decision of calling it a day.

He thanked the fans and his Brisbane Heat team-mates by saying, "I have absolutely loved playing for the Heat. The fans have been amazing with their support and I have enjoyed seeing the pleasure they get from coming to our matches and having fun. I’ve had a great time playing with my teammates, and it was a privilege to captain them. Coming into Brisbane each year before the start of the competition was always a highlight."

Talking about his future in a coaching career, the aggressive right-handed batsman said, "I will continue to play T20 cricket in 2019 in various competitions around the world and will then look to transition into a coaching career. The prospect of being able to transfer the skills, experience and leadership I have been lucky enough to bank over my long T20 and also international career into coaching is very exciting."

What's next?

Brendon McCullum played a phenomenal knock of 51 runs against the Adelaide Strikers. He would want to try his best to take Brisbane Heat to the next round of the league in his final season. They are currently sixth in the points table.