Shane Warne officially announces retirement from all forms of cricket; not to play BBL

Shane Warne (C) talks to Australia’s Steven Smith (L) and Phillip Hughes before the start of play on the fourth day of the second Ashes test match between England and Australia at Lord’s

Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne officially announced his retirement from all forms of the game after confirming the news that he will not be playing for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash T20 league anymore.

The master leg-spinner who was inducted into the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame at Lord’s on Friday decided to call it a day after citing business, family and commentary commitments, resulting in hanging up his cricket boots.

“I think the time is right for me to hang up my Big Bash boots – juggling business, family and commentary commitments across two continents is not easy,” Warne said.

“I’ve always loved the game but now it’s time to observe. It’s going to be a huge summer for Australian cricket. I’m really looking forward to it and will be closely following the Melbourne Stars,” he added.

The Aussie maestro, who claimed 708 Test wickets at an average of 25.41 and represented the largest island nation in 145 Test matches, withdrew from Tests in 2007 and retired from ODIs in 2005 after an exhibition match between World XI vs Asia XI.

Warne, however was active in the IPL for four seasons in which he led Rajasthan Royals to victory in the inaugural edition of the league. He then signed up for Melbourne Stars as a marquee player in the inaugural 2011-12 BBL season, where he failed to impress with a below average performance of a meagre four wickets in six BBL matches, conceding 7.95 runs per over.

Melbourne Stars CEO Clint Cooper said the team respects Warne’s decision to call it quits.

“With increasing business and family commitments across the world we fully understand Shane’s decision to not play on this season,” Cooper said.

“Shane will still have an ongoing involvement with the team. Exactly what that capacity is will be defined over the coming months.”

Source: NDTV SPORTS