Aaron Finch has decided to conclude his illustrious T20 career, announcing his retirement from the BBL at the conclusion of the current season with the Melbourne Renegades.
While the announcement made on December 4 specifically pertains to the BBL, it is anticipated that Finch will not participate in any prominent international leagues but might still engage in legends tournaments. In a recent interview with Channel 7, the 37-year-old had hinted that this BBL season is likely to be his final one.
"There've been some real lows but great highs [too], and I've loved every bit of the journey", Finch said. “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."
Currently not featuring in Renegades' XI since his last match on December 23, Aaron Finch, the seventh-highest run-scorer in T20 cricket, has declared his retirement from the BBL. The Renegades plan to give him a farewell appearance against Melbourne Stars on January 13 at the Marvel Stadium, even though their chances of reaching the finals are slim.
Finch boasts 11,458 runs in T20 cricket at an average of 33.70 and a strike rate of 138.21, ranking him seventh-highest in run-scoring. His top score of 172 was achieved for Australia against Zimbabwe in 2018. In the BBL, he is the second-highest run-scorer, trailing behind Chris Lynn.
Having retired from international cricket in February 2023 after stepping away from ODIs in late 2022, Finch captained Australia to victory in the 2021 T20 World Cup. David Saker, the head coach of Renegades, has shared a cricket journey with Finch over the years.
"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," Saker said.
“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."
Renegades general manager James Rosengarten praised Aaron Finch for his achievements in the BBL.
"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 said.
“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.”
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