Brendon McCullum Announces Big Bash League Retirement

The ongoing season of the Big Bash League (BBL) will be Brendon McCullum’s last as the former New Zealand skipper has called time on his BBL career. McCullum informed his Brisbane Heat teammates of his decision in the Adelaide Oval dressing room after slamming 51 against the Adelaide Strikers to keep alive his side’s slim hopes of making it to the next round.

The latest development comes just a couple of months after McCullum surprisingly went unsold at the 2019 IPL auction. Since slamming the monumental 158 in the very first game of the IPL in 2008, McCullum was an integral part of the league. He had played in every edition of the league since its inception before going unsold. He represented Kolkata (2008-10 and 2012-13), Kochi Tuskers Kerala (2011), Chennai (2014-15), Gujarat Lions (2016-17) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (2018). But a poor campaign in 2018 ended his magnificent run in the IPL.

McCullum said he will continue to play T20s elsewhere this year but will soon enter coaching.  Heat’s upcoming game this week against the Melbourne Stars will be McCullum’s last at the Gabba.

“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 said. “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.”

“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’ve 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 added.

The Heat had signed up McCullum way back in 2011. However, due to his international commitments, McCullum rarely featured for the side, playing just three games in his first season. But he became a regular fixture after retiring in 2016. In fact, he also led the side for two seasons.