Australian specialist T20 cricketer, Aiden Blizzard has announced his retirement from all formats of the game, confirmed by his Big Bash League side Sydney Thunder on Wednesday (15 May).
The swashbuckling Australian left-hander made his first-class debut for Victoria in 2007 before switching over to New South Wales in 2010. The destructive batsman hogged the limelight across the globe for his clean hitting and quick scoring ability despite have not represented Australia at the international level.
Blizzard, who is one of the most aggressive T20 batsmen, is best known for hitting a 130-meter long six for Thunders at the WACA Ground in the Big Bash final of 2008. He decided to call time on a 12-year domestic career to spend more time with his family.
He also got a privilege to share the dressing room and open an innings with legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar during the Indian Premier League, when he was brought up by the Mumbai Indians in 2011.
As per reports in Cricket Australia’s official website, Aiden said, “It's going to be tough to say goodbye. The Thunder fans have been very understanding and patient, they're a unique bunch that have gone through some tough times, but are very loyal.”
Blizzard further explained, “I've played cricket for 15 years, 10 of those on the road, that's where the decision has come from. I've got two units of my MBA to finish, while I look to support my wife's business. I gave cricket a good crack and I loved it, but now it's time to be a family man and look for opportunities outside of playing professionally.”
He signed off by saying, “I'd love to free up a place in the squad for someone young to come through and enjoy similar experiences to what I've had. I'm thankful to have played cricket and would love to contribute to Australian cricket moving forward.”
The explosive batsman played 21 first-class and 40 List A matches for his State, in which he has scored 966 runs and 733 runs respectively, but his real blast at the professional career was in the T20s in which he went on to score 2043 runs in 98 games and ended his career with a strike-rate of 132.57.
