Star fast bowler announces sudden retirement after 17-year career

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson has decided to retire from professional cricket, bringing to an end a nearly 17-year career that saw him represent his country in international cricket, win domestic tournaments, and play in franchise leagues around the world.

Kane Richardson was part of the Australian team that won the T20 World Cup in 2021. He is considered one of the most successful bowlers in the history of the Big Bash League. Across 15 Big Bash League seasons, he took a total of 142 wickets, ranking fifth on the list of all-time leading wicket-takers in the men's league. During his Big Bash career, he played for three teams: the Adelaide Strikers, the Melbourne Renegades, and the Sydney Sixers, leaving a mark on each team.

Internationally, Kane Richardson played 25 ODIs and 36 T20Is for Australia. He also played a significant role in domestic cricket. He played a key role in leading the Melbourne Renegades to the Big Bash League title in its eighth season. His performances for the Melbourne Renegades were particularly memorable. He took 104 wickets in 80 matches, making him the team's highest wicket-taker to date. When the current Big Bash League began, he played in the very first match for the Adelaide Strikers. He played 36 matches for the team over six seasons. In the seventh season, he joined the Melbourne Renegades, where he had his most successful domestic T20 career.

In recent years, injuries had affected his game. At the age of 34, he ended his career by playing two matches for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League-15. Richardson announced his retirement on Instagram on Monday, following which he received well wishes from the cricketing world. Close friend and long-time teammate Adam Zampa reacted to the news by writing on his Instagram story, "My friend has played his last match of professional cricket; 18 years in the game, without him I wouldn't be the man I am today."

In addition to T20 cricket, Kane Richardson also performed well in red-ball and one-day domestic cricket. He took 102 wickets in 34 first-class matches and 153 wickets in 98 List A matches. His T20 career was not limited to Australia. He played for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, and Pune Warriors in the Indian Premier League. He also represented Kent and Birmingham Phoenix in England and Dubai Capitals in the United Arab Emirates.