BBL 2023-24: Aaron Finch Announces Retirement From Big Bash League

One of Australia’s greatest opening batters in the ODI and T20I format, Aaron Finch who retired from all formats of cricket last year, has announced his decision to retire from Australia’s premier domestic T20 competition, the Big Bash League after the end of the current season.

Aaron Finch has been a true Melbourne Renegades through and through since the formation of the team. His current deal with the Renegades was set to expire after the conclusion of Big Bash League 14 next year but Aaron Finch ahead of his team’s clash against Hobart Hurricanes, announced that he will not just step down as the captain but he will bid goodbye to his decade long BBL career.

“There’ve been some real lows but great highs, and I’ve loved every bit of the journey. No moment can compare to winning the BBL title, that for me was very special and something I’ll remember. I’m proud to have played at the one club for the entirety of my career.” – Finch said. 

Also, Aaron Finch is likely to end his overall T20 career with his retirement from the Big Bash League. Finch is likely to be seen in action in the legends tournaments from now on.

He engraved his name in Australia’s rich cricketing history in 2021 when he led the national team to their first-ever ICC T20 World Cup title in UAE. Under his captaincy in the tournament, Australia lost just 1 match in the Group stages and defeated Pakistan in the semi-final to help the baggy greens enter their 2nd ever T20 WC final and first since 2010.

Even though his own performance in the tournament was not that great, Aaron Finch ensured the team is sticking to the plans and helped set up tactics with then-head coach Justin Langer. His side defeated Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in the final by 8 wickets, thanks to powerful knocks from David Warner and Mitchell Marsh.

Aaron Finch Leaves BBL As 2nd Highest Run-Scorer And Renegades Legend

The 37-year-old who has represented various different franchises in the world will make his Big Bash League retirement as a one-club player and as the 2nd highest run-getter after his fellow countryman Chris Lynn who has 3638 runs while playing for Adelaide Strikers and Brisbane Heat.

Aaron Finch on the other hand scored 3311 runs only as a Melbourne Renegades player from 2011 to 2023, taking 106 matches to do so. He averaged 34.85 in BBL with his highest score being 111 not out and has 2 hundreds and 26 fifties under his belt.

He will also retire as Melbourne Renegades’ highest scorer and most-capped player with 106 appearances. In his 11 seasons as the captain, Aaron Finch has captained the Renegades on 79 occasions and helped the club win their first and last BBL title in season 8.

In the ongoing season, Aaron Finch’s side haven’t been at their best, suffering 5 losses and winning just 1 in 7 games. They are already out of contention to win a 2nd BBL title but they will love to forget this season to give Aaron Finch a memorable send-off.