Former Australia fast bowler Kane Richardson has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the end of the current Big Bash League season.
The 34-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Sydney Sixers but featured in just two matches. Richardson was one of the original players of the BBL, competing from the tournament’s inaugural season.
He had long spells with both the Adelaide Strikers and the Melbourne Renegades, winning the title with the Renegades in the 2018–19 season.
Richardson finished his BBL career as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the competition’s history, taking 142 wickets at an average of 23.21 and an economy rate of 7.87.
He first confirmed his decision through an Instagram post before releasing an official statement through the Australian Cricketers’ Association.
“I would like to announce my retirement from professional cricket at the end of this BBL,” he said. “From my debut in 2009 until now, I feel like every last drop has been squeezed out of me and it’s the right time to end such a happy part of my life.
“I would like to thank all the coaches, administrators and teammates who have shaped my career, especially those in my early days in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
“I have been fortunate enough to represent my country with many teams around the world and in Australia. I never took this opportunity lightly and I hope those watching know that I have dreamed of becoming a cricketer since I was a child in Darwin.”
Internationally, Richardson represented Australia in 25 ODIs and 36 T20Is.
He was part of the team that won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in 2021 and was also included in the following edition hosted by Australia. He also featured in the 2019 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup.
In addition to his international career, Richardson played in several T20 leagues worldwide, including four seasons in the Indian Premier League, appearing in the T20 Blast, The Hundred and the ILD20.