(Cricket News) Aaron Finch has announced that he will be retiring from the BBL at the end of the current season with the Melbourne Renegades, ending his illustrious Twenty20 career. Finch had recently hinted in an interview with Channel 7 that this would likely be his final BBL season.
Although Thursday’s announcement only relates to the BBL, it is understood that Finch is unlikely to play in any mainstream leagues overseas but may continue to participate in legends tournaments.
“The Renegades have been a huge part of my life, and I am so grateful for everything they have given me. To everyone who is been part of the journey with me – our members, fans, supporters, my team-mates, and all who have had a part to play at the club at all levels – thank you.
There’ve been some real lows but great highs [too], and I have loved every bit of the journey,” Finch said. “No moment can compare to winning the BBL title. That, for me, was very special, and something I will remember.”
With 11,458 runs at 33.70 and a strike rate of 138.21, Finch is currently the seventh-highest run-scorer in T20 cricket. His highest score of 172 came for Australia against Zimbabwe in 2018. In the BBL, he is the second-highest run-scorer behind Chris Lynn.
However, the club may give him a farewell outing against Melbourne Stars on January 13 at the Marvel Stadium. Renegades are unlikely to be in contention for a finals spot.
“Finchy has been an outstanding servant and leader with the Renegades; it is such a rare feat in the Big Bash to spend your career at the one club,” said David Saker, head coach of the Renegades. “Everything that is been successful with the Renegades, Finchy has had everything to do with it.”
Finch led Australia to the 2021 T20 World Cup title. He is the second-highest run-scorer in the Big Bash League behind Chris Lynn. “Finchy has been an outstanding servant and leader with the Renegades,” Saker said.
“It is almost impossible to quantify what Finchy has done for the Melbourne Renegades as a club and brand, and for the BBL as a competition,” said general manager James Rosengarten. “He brought fans through the gates and led this club through highs and lows – all with the trademark grit and determination that we know him for.
I first coached Finchy when he captained Victoria’s Under-19s, and I have seen him develop as a leader and person. He is a unique type of leader – very tactically aware while basing many of his decisions on gut feel, and that is a courageous thing to do out in the field.”
