Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has called time on his Big Bash League (BBL) career and is set to end his illustrious T20 career as well. Finch has been associated with Melbourne Renegades and the ongoing BBL 13 will be his last.
While it has been reported that Finch might continue to play in legends tournament across the world, it is unlikely that the T20 World Cup-winning Australian captain will play in any mainstream leagues overseas.
Finch had recently indicated in an interview with Channel 7 that this would likely be his final BBL season.
"There've been some real lows but great highs [too], and I've loved every bit of the journey. No moment can compare to winning the BBL title. That, for me, was very special, and something I'll remember. I'm really proud to have played at one club for the entirety of my career. The Renegades have been a huge part of my life, and I'm so grateful for everything they've given me.
To everyone who's 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,” Finch told Channel 7 as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
Aaron Finch is set to get a farewell match by the Renegades against Melbourne Stars on January 13 at the Marvel Stadium. In the BBL, he is the second-highest run-scorer behind Chris Lynn.
Finch has 11458 runs in 386 T20 matches with 8 centuries and 77 fifties to his name. He averages 33.70 and has a strike rate of 138.21. In addition to this, Finch hit 1095 fours and 452 sixes in his T20 career, with his highest score being 172.
Finch had announced his international retirement in February 2023, having quit ODIs late in 2022.
David Saker, head coach of Renegades, has known Finch through much of his cricket journey.
"Finchy has been an outstanding servant and leader with the Renegades; it's such a rare feat in the Big Bash to spend your career at the one club. Everything that's been successful with the Renegades, Finchy has had everything to do with it.
I first coached Finchy when he captained Victoria's Under-19s, and I've seen him develop as a leader and person. He's a unique type of leader - very tactically aware - while he bases a lot of his decisions on gut feel, and that's a courageous thing to do out in the field,” Saker said.
Renegades general manager James Rosengarten lauded Finch on his BBL career.
"It's almost impossible to quantify what Finchy has done for the Melbourne Renegades as a club and brand, and for the BBL as a competition. 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,” he said.
(ESPNCricinfo inputs)
