Australia’s Kane Richardson Announces Retirement After Being Omitted from T20 World Cup Squad

New Delhi: Australia’s fast bowler Kane Richardson has announced his retirement from professional cricket. The 34-year-old played 25 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 36 T20 Internationals for Australia, taking 39 wickets in ODIs and 45 in T20Is. Richardson made his international debut in 2013 and played his last match against India in Guwahati in 2023.

Part of Australia’s T20 World Cup Winning Squad

Richardson was a member of Australia’s squad that won the T20 World Cup in 2021, although he did not feature in any match during the UAE tournament. Speaking about his decision, Richardson said:
“With the conclusion of the BBL, I want to announce my retirement from professional cricket. Since my debut in 2009, I feel I’ve given my all to the game, and this is the right time to close this incredibly enjoyable chapter of my life.”

Gratitude to Coaches, Administrators, and Teammates

Richardson debuted for South Australia in 2009 and recently played his final match for Sydney Sixers against Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League. He expressed his gratitude, saying:
“I want to thank all the coaches, administrators, and teammates who shaped my career. I have been fortunate to represent my country and play franchise cricket around the world. I’ve never taken these opportunities lightly, and I hope fans know how much I have dreamed of being a cricketer since my childhood in Darwin.”

Impressive Professional Career

Over his career, Kane Richardson claimed 496 wickets across all formats. He took 102 wickets in 34 first-class matches and 153 in List A cricket. In T20s, he played 201 matches and dismissed 241 batsmen. Richardson also represented Pune Warriors, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, taking 19 wickets in 15 matches. In the Big Bash League, he played 118 games, claiming 142 wickets.

Richardson’s retirement marks the end of a prolific career for one of Australia’s most consistent fast bowlers in white-ball cricket.