Steve O'Keefe to bid adieu to BBL after ongoing season

In what appears to be the swansong of his illustrious 19-year cricket career, Sydney Sixers stalwart Steve O'Keefe has all but affirmed that the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season will mark his final hurrah. The 39-year-old, who had playfully quipped about his retirement in 2022, expressed satisfaction, deeming his cricketing journey as "really fulfilled." The seasoned spinner hinted that the upcoming Sydney Smash could potentially serve as his farewell appearance at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

As the Sixers, currently positioned third in the BBL standings, eye a coveted spot in the top three for a guaranteed home final, O'Keefe acknowledged that much hinges on the outcome of the blockbuster clash on Saturday, January 13. The match not only reunites him with former Test teammates Steve Smith and David Warner, who represent the Sixers and Thunder respectively but also adds a poignant layer to what could be O'Keefe's final bow on the hallowed SCG turf.

"It will be very hard to play on next year so this could be my last game at the SCG. It's not 100 per cent confirmed, and I'll make sure the right people know that at the right time. I've had a great time playing it and now the expectation around your training and your body, committing to cricket 12 months of the year is probably something that's a bit past me at the moment. I feel really fulfilled with what I've done career-wise and very, very happy. I've had a lot of fun this year and am certainly still enjoying it," O’Keefe said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

O’Keefe bows out with spectacular figures

O'Keefe, holding the third-highest wicket tally for the Sixers in the BBL at 94 wickets with an impressive average of 23.40 and an economy of 6.69, showcased his bowling prowess. Despite a modest three wickets in six games this season, his economy rate remained stingy at 6.65 runs per over. While O'Keefe expressed confidence in the future of the Sixers' spin department, highlighting Todd Murphy and Joel Davies in the current squad, his statistical legacy stands as a testament to his invaluable contribution.