AUSTRALIA legend Shane Warne has confirmed his retirement from first-class cricket after announcing he will not play for Hampshire this season.
The leg-spinner will take part in the inaugural Indian Premier League, but concedes flourishing business interests will take up much of his time from now on. "Unfortunately I am retiring from all first-class cricket, but will participate in the IPL w
ith the Jaipur franchise as captain and coach," said Warne.
"This was not an easy decision to make, but due to some exciting business opportunities and wanting to spend more time with my children, I had to make this call."
The Twenty20 competition in India starts on 18 April and ends with the final on 1 June.
After joining Hampshire in 2000, Warne, 38, took 276 first-class wickets at an average of 25.59, with his best match figures seven for 99 against Middlesex at the Rose Bowl. He also contributed 2,040 runs, with a highest score of 107 against Kent in 2005.
He added: "My eight years involved with Hampshire have been a wonderful experience. Memories that will last with me forever and likewise the friendships that have been formed at the club.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rod Bransgrove, Paul Terry and Tim Tremlett for their ongoing support and the opportunity to captain the club, and I wish them all the best for the coming season."
Rose Bowl plc chairman Bransgrove explained that the decision to end their association with had been "mutual" and that it had been made amicably and with great sadness on both sides. He added: "Hampshire Cricket has been hugely privileged to have enjoyed the unstinting loyalty of this living legend since 2000. The most effective and entertaining bowler of all time, Shane Warne was also a brilliant leader and strategist."
Hampshire team manager Terry said: "I have been extremely lucky to have had the best seat in the house for the past few years working closely with this legend. I'm very sorry, although not entirely surprised Warne has come to this decision."
• Hashim Amla posted 159 as South Africa reached an imposing first-innings 540 on day two of the first Test against India in Chennai. He hit 19 fours in his 248-ball innings before being run out by Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, attempting a quick single.
India saw out the remaining 25 overs of the day and finished on 82 without loss, with Virender Sehwag unbeaten on 52.
The full article contains 426 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
