Shane Watson announces retirement from Big Bash League

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has called time on his playing career back in his home country, retiring from the Big Bash League. Watson captained the Sydney Thunders in the T20 league, continuing to play on even after his retirement from international cricket in 2016. Watson has cited the need to spend more time with his family during the summer back in Australia as the primary reason for hanging up his boots. Watson will continue to compete in the other T20 leagues around the globe.

Watson played 42 games in the BBL, scoring 1058 runs and picking up 20 wickets. He has represented the Sydney Thunders for the past four seasons, also donning the jersey’s of the Syndey Sixers and Brisbane Heat previously. Watson currently playing in the 2019 edition of the IPL for the Chennai Super Kings, where he is a vital cog in the set-up of the team.

Watson in a statement announcing his retirement said:

“I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who has been involved with the Sydney Thunder over the last four seasons. I have so many amazing memories that I will savour forever with the one standout being our win in 2016. I want to especially thank Nick Cummins, Paddy Upton, Lee Germon and Shane Bond who made my experience with the club so enjoyable. Finally, to my teammates, I have played with so many great people and cricketers at the club and I sincerely wish everyone the absolute best for the upcoming seasons.”

Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts was full of praise for Watson’s quality, quoting in a statement:

“Shane Watson was one of the most exciting short form players ever to grace a cricket field. Talented, skillful and powerful, Shane was a devastating batsman at his best. It was only a few months ago he scored a century from just 62 balls for the Thunder against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba. In a career which spanned almost two decades, Shane made a major contribution to Australian cricket firstly at international level and then in domestic cricket as a significant contributor to the Big Bash. His greatest quality was persistence, overcoming a number of sometimes serious injuries and curtailing his pace. He became a probing swing and seam bowler.”

Watson has been one of the most in-demand players in various T20 leagues around the globe after his retirement from international cricket in 2016. Watson was a key member of the Australian squad during his career, representing his country in 59 Tests, 190 ODIs and 58 T20Is.