Australian batsman Chris Lynn, on Wednesday (June 30), stepped down as captain of Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Brisbane Heat after three years at the helm.
Lynn, one of the most successful batsmen in BBL, has resigned from the captaincy after leading Brisbane Heat in 48 T20s across four seasons in order to focus on his batting.
The 31-year-old is the leading run-scorer in BBL history with 2790 runs at an average of 37.20 and a strike rate of 151.05. He has also struck 172 sixes which puts him well ahead of other batters in BBL.
Last season, Lynn had to miss as many as six matches in the BBL 2020 after injuring his hamstring while attempting a running catch before the start of a match and the wicket-keeper batsman Jimmy Peirson led the Brisbane Heat and appears to be the frontrunner to replace Lynn.
Lynn said in a statement on Wednesday: “It has been a huge honor to skipper the Heat for the last three years and I am very grateful for all the backing and support from the players, coaching and backroom staff, and the loyal Heat fans and sponsors.”
He further added, “I am very proud to have led the boys and I have really enjoyed my time as captain. I have thought long and hard about my decision, and I think it is the right time for someone else to take over the reins and keep building with this talented group of players.”
Meanwhile, Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson stated: “Something like this is never a simple or comfortable process, and Chris certainly has our full support for the decision he has reached. We certainly respect his choice and the reasoning behind it. He hasn't rushed things and has consulted with key people in his life to make this call.”
Svenson concluded, “Having spoken at length with him, I am very confident that he and Heat will both benefit from his decision and we certainly look forward to him bringing his experience and undoubted batting prowess to bear on the BBL 11 season and beyond.”
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
