Dubai: Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum announced his retirement from Big Bash League (BBL) as he looks to transition into a coaching career. The 37-year-old, who ended his international career in 2016, told his teammates at Brisbane Heat of the decision after his side’s six-wicket win against Adelaide Strikers on Sunday. However, McCullum will continue playing in other T20 leagues before beginning his career as a coach.
“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, ICC quoted McCullum, as saying in a statement.
McCullum has been linked with the Heat in 2011 and has been a regular for the tournament since 2016. He has scored 920 runs in 34 matches, which includes nine half-centuries.
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 have 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, he said.
Brisbane Heat’s clash against Melbourne Stars on February 8 is likely to be Kiwi keeper-batsman’s last match in the tournament if his side, placed at fifth position on the BBL ladder, do not make it to the semi-final.
