Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum has announced that the ongoing season of the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia will be the last of his cricketing career.
The 37-year-old Kiwi, who has made a career out of hitting unfortunate bowlers to all parts of stands across the world, broke the news to his teammates after blasting a half-century to help the Brisbane Heat register a six-wicket win over the Adelaide Strikers on Sunday night.
“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,” McCullum told the playing group.
“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.”
McCullum has clubbed 920 runs and five fifties in 34 matches for the Heat since debuting during the inaugural BBL season in 2011-12.
After retiring from international cricket, McCullum returned in 2016 to captain the side before ceding the top job to fellow “Bash Brother” Chris Lynn.
“It was a privilege to captain them,” he said, after his decision not to take up the option on his contract for next season.
“Having been there at the start, and then seeing (the BBL) grow and evolve into one of the best T20 competitions in the world has been great to be part of.
“The BBL will get stronger and better from here too as everyone becomes more comfortable with the format and the clubs continue to be bold in their planning and preparations.”
