BBL 2021-22: Chris Lynn steps down as Brisbane Heat captain

Mercurial Brisbane Heat player Chris Lynn stepped down from the post of captaincy after three seasons at the helm for the franchise in the Big Bash League (BBL). The announcement was made on Wednesday, June 30. The hard-hitting opener of the team has been with the franchise right from the league’s inception in 2011.

In fact, the decision is a bit surprising as the right-hand batter was the side’s leading run-scorer last season scoring 458 runs and leading the Heat to the semis. Apart from consistently scoring runs at the top, Lynn has also scored the most number of maximums in the BBL tournament, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dangerous hitters going around in Australia.

While making the announcement to quit the captaincy, Lynn got in touch with Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson after returning from the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“It has been a huge honor to skipper the Heat for the last three years and I am very grateful for all the backing and support from the players, coaching and backroom staff, and the loyal Heat fans and sponsors,’’ Lynn said. “I am very proud to have led the boys and I have really enjoyed my time as captain. I have thought long and hard about my decision, and I think it is the right time for someone else to take over the reins and keep building with this talented group of players,” Lynn told Cricket Australia.

Lynn also felt he will be better off by being a player and scoring runs freely for the club, rather than being a leader for the Heat.

“The group are in a really good space after last season’s BBL, and I think this is the best way forward for the club and for me as a player and I am confident the Heat can build on last year’s successful campaign.”

Terry Svenson lavishes praise on Chris Lynn

The Queensland CEO thanked Lynn for his services as the skipper of the team. Svenson felt Lynn’s decision was indeed a selfless one and he just thought about the Heat doing well in the coming seasons. “Something like this is never a simple or comfortable process, and Chris certainly has our full support for the decision he has reached,’’ he said.

“We certainly respect his choice and the reasoning behind it. He hasn’t rushed things and has consulted with key people in his life to make this call.”