Aaron Finch news leaves cricket world saddened after retirement from BBL confirmed

Aaron Finch has announced that this BBL season will be his last, bringing down the curtain on his illustrious career. The former Australia white-ball captain retired from international cricket early last year, and will step away from all formats of the game after the BBL season with the Melbourne Renegades.

The 37-year-old announced the sad news before the Renegades' clash with the Hobart Hurricanes in Melbourne on Thursday night. He is set to play at least three more games before calling it quits.

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"There've been some real lows but great highs, and I've loved every bit of the journey," Finch said. "I'm really proud to have played at the one club for the entirety of my career. The Renegades have been a huge part of my life and I'm so grateful for everything they've given me."

The retirement news means Finch could face long-time Australian opening partner David Warner in the final game of his career. The Renegades are scheduled to face Warner's Sydney Thunder in the last BBL fixture of the summer.

It could also mark Warner's final game on Australian soil, with the veteran batter retiring from Test and ODI cricket. The 37-year-old Warner is set to begin life as a T20 gun-for-hire overseas after the BBL wraps up, although he has flagged his interest in continuing to play for the Thunder.

Finch's crowning achievement in the BBL was leading the Renegades to their maiden title in the 2018/19 season. The Renegades overcame cross-town rivals the Melbourne Stars in the final. "No moment can compare to winning the BBL title, that for me was very special and something I'll remember," he said.

Earlier this week, Renegades coach David Saker revealed that Finch had approached him about how he was struggling to adjust to the speed of the game in his comeback from knee surgery. Finch was dropped from the Renegades' match against the Adelaide Strikers due to "inconsistent form", and Saker said Finch had admitted he didn't deserve a place in the side.

When asked by Channel 7 commentator Jason Richardson if this BBL season could be his last, Finch replied: "Most likely yes. I would say very likely yes".

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Finch was named captain in the Renegades' team of the decade in 2021 and holds the record for most appearances with the franchise (107). He is currently the second-highest run-scorer in BBL history, with his 3311 runs sitting behind only Chris Lynn (3638).

Finch is expected to continue media duties with Fox Cricket and could return to play in the USA's Major League Cricket competition. He participated in the inaugural season of the T20 event last year.

Finch will go undoubtedly down as one of Australia's greatest white-ball players. He was handed the permanent white-ball captaincy in 2018 after winning the 2015 World Cup, before leading Australia to its first ever T20 World Cup win in 2021.

He scored over 8500 runs across all three formats for his country, including 3120 runs at a strike rate of 142.53 in international T20s. No player has scored more runs for Australia with a better strike rate in the shortest format.

He scored 5406 runs at an average of 38.89 in 146 ODIs, and played five Test matches for his country. "It has been a fantastic ride with some incredible memories," he said last year.

"I have been extremely fortunate to be a part of some brilliant one-day sides. Equally, I have been blessed by all those I have played with and the many people behind the scenes. I thank all of those who have helped and supported my journey to this point."

with AAP

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