New Zealand star Brendon McCullum to retire from cricket after the Global T20 Canada

Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum to retire from cricket after the Global T20 Canada

  • The 37-year-old has been playing for Toronto Nationals in Global T20 Canada
  • He had been due to play for Glasgow Giants in the Euro T20 Slam this month
  • McCullum played in 101 Tests, 260 ODIs and 71 Twenty20 internationals

Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has announced his retirement from cricket.

In a statement on social media on Monday, the 37-year-old said his playing career will come to an end after the current Global T20 Canada, in which he has been playing for Toronto Nationals.

McCullum, who had been due to play for Glasgow Giants in the Euro T20 Slam starting later this month, said: ‘My style of cricket has always been full noise, full throttle. From Culling Park to Lord’s and everything in between, there has been some wonderful memories.

Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has announced his retirement from cricket

‘Unfortunately, the sacrifices needed and commitment required to play that type of cricket have now become too great.

‘I owe it to myself and the teams I represent to close that chapter rather than just plough on regardless of what I know to be true.’

The Dunedin-born batsman and former wicketkeeper retired from international cricket in 2016.

McCullum played in 101 Tests, the first coming in 2004, plus 260 one-day internationals and 71 Twenty20 internationals.

McCullum has plans for coaching and media roles after working as a pundit at the World Cup

McCullum has plans for coaching and media roles after working as a pundit at the World Cup

He registered 6,453 Test runs, including 12 centuries, and averaged 38.64 – he is third on New Zealand’s all-time list of highest Test run-scorers.

He added: ‘I look back with pride over the way I’ve played the game and what I’ve achieved. With New Zealand, we broke boundaries and established a style of play that earned us respect across the world.

‘In T20 cricket, I’ve enjoyed so many varied challenges, I can leave the game knowing I left no stone unturned.

‘The next chapter in both media and coaching will challenge me further. I’m sad to leave playing the game I love behind, but I am excited about what the future holds.’

 

 

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