Michael Clarke withdraws from the BBL, ending two-year contract with Melbourne

Michael Clarke withdraws from the BBL, ending two-year contract with Melbourne: Michael Clarke has retreated his contract with the Big Bash League (BBL) team Melbourne Stars, deciding to spend some time away from the game after his retirement.

The retired ex-captain of the Australian team was supposed to captain the Melbourne Stars in the BBL this summer in the domestic T20 clash. Clarke had signed a two-year deal with the franchise and was to play alongside the flamboyant English batsman, Kevin Pietersen. However, it was discovered today that Clarke will not be a part of the Big Bash League. He has withdrawn from the tournament in order to spend some time away from the game.

Clarke is currently on a holiday with his pregnant wife Kyly, who is expecting her first child in the first half of January. After the Ashes series loss Michael Clarke announced his retirement from international cricket. He has been seen struggling with his form since his return from the hamstring injury for the World Cup 2015.

His retirement came instantly and his plans after retirement are unclear. Clarke said that he will figure out his retirement plans when he is on vacation. The chances of him coming back on the field seem thinner after his withdrawal from the League.

There are chances of Clarke joining the Channel Nine commentary team, which includes many other ex-Australian Cricketers as he promised to be a part of cricket in some way or the other.

He is also expected to dive into business world with close-friend who is a high profile accountant, Anthony Bell. Clarke had set up a company, Michael J Clarke Investments Pvt Ltd in May this year. His academy will also fall in the priority list.

Michael Clarke had a 11 year long cricket career, captaining Australia to many memorable wins. He said that he is still to decide whether he should put his name up for the Indian Premier League.

“That’s probably one of the things I’ve got to think about over the next week or so. What I’m going to do there am I going to look at that as an option?”  he told Triple M.

“Kyly and I are going to go away for a week or so before I fly back home. And that’s just going to give me some time to have a think about what I’m going to do when I get home. I haven’t had a chance to press stop and have a think about things. Now I’ve finally got that opportunity I just want to make the most of that and spend some time with her and have a really good think.”