Brendon McCullum calls it time on BBL as a coaching career beckons in the future

Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum called it time on the Big Bash League (BBL). In case the Brisbane Heat do not qualify for the knockouts, the upcoming game against the Melbourne Stars will be his last. Since debuting in the inaugural 2011-12 edition, the Kiwi batsman played a total of 34 BBL games thus far for the Heat. He scored 920 runs in as many games including nine half-centuries.

Moreover, Brendon McCullum also led the Heat for two seasons after retiring from international cricket. McCullum informed about this decision to his teammates on Sunday following a 6-wicket win against the Adelaide Strikers. He scored a 39-ball 51 in this match and helped keep the hopes alive. However, the attacking and fearless batsman was clear that he will continue playing in other T20 leagues before contemplating a possible coaching career.

I will continue to play T20 cricket in 2019

“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 in a statement as quoted by Cricbuzz. “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.”

He further said that he loved playing in the BBL. He thanked the fans and the teammates for the support. The 37-year-old even mentioned that it was a privilege leading the side.

“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 further added.

He noted that BBL is a special part of his career. Brendon McCullum said that seeing the league evolve was great. He only hopes that the tournament will get bigger and better from here.

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