Australia pacer with over 500 wickets announces retirement after being snubbed from T20 WC squad

Former Australia pacer Kane Richardson has announced his retirement from professional cricket, bringing an end to a 17-year long career. The 34-year-old played for Australia in 25 ODIs and 36 T20Is, picking up a total of 84 international wickets. Furthermore, he has 102 wickets in first-class cricket, 153 wickets in List A cricket and 241 wickets in T20s.

Richardson's long international absence

Richardson had been absent from international cricket since 2023 with his last appearance coming in a T20I against India. He had signed a one-year deal with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) ahead of the 2025/26, but played just two matches for them throughout the season. He finished his career as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 142 scalps from 118 matches.

"I would like to announce my retirement from professional cricket at the conclusion of this BBL. From making my debut back in 2009 until now, I feel like I have squeezed every drop out of myself and it is the right time to finish such an enjoyable part of my life. I would like to thank all the coaches, administrators, and fellow players who have shaped my career, particularly those from my early days in South Australia and the Northern Territory," Richardson wrote in an Instagram post.

"I've been fortunate enough to represent my country, along with many franchise teams around the world, and in Australia. I have never taken the opportunity lightly and I hope the people watching knew that I had dreamt about being a cricketer since I was a kid in Darwin," he added.

Richardson's T20 WC triumph with Australia

One of if not the biggest achievement of Richardson's career was winning the 2021 T20 World Cup with Australia. He was a part of the squad that defeated New Zealand in the final and won the title for the first time in their history.

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The pacer also featured for a total of three different teams in the IPL. He first played for the Pune Warriors India in IPL 2013 before joining Rajasthan Royals in the 2014 season. He then featured for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2016 and 2021. Richardson racked up a total of 19 wickets in the 15 matches that he played in the IPL.