Brendon McCullum announces retirement from all forms of cricket

‘Baz’ McCullum, one of the most hard-hitting batsmen of his generation, is bringing the curtains down on his illustrious career. Over 14,000 international runs, more than 100 Test caps, McCullum’s innings’ of the swashbuckling 158* to kick-start the IPL or, that 18-ball 50 in the 2015 World Cup against England have been some of his career highlights.

As the 37-year-old McCullum steps down, he looked back with pride to what has been an exciting journey. “It is with pride and satisfaction that I am today announcing my retirement from all cricket following the conclusion of the GT20 in Canada. I look back with pride over the way I’ve played the game and what I’ve achieved... I can leave the game knowing I left no stone unturned,” McCullum wrote on Twitter, reported AFP.

Baz captained the Kiwis to their first World Cup final in 2015, where they were beaten by Australia. He then played in his 101st Test match in the home series against their neighbours, before calling it quits on his international career. McCullum has spent the past few years playing in T20 competitions across the globe, his final stint coming with the Toronto Nationals.

“As much as I am proud of what I’ve achieved in my 20 year professional career - more than I could ever have dreamed of when I first entered the game - I have felt the drive to keep going harder to maintain in recent months It’s been one hell of a ride but I’ve always maintained that all good things must come to an end,” he noted.

While the future for Baz is still certain, he looks forward with hope and also thanked the influencers throughout his life, in the note. “The next chapter, both in media and coaching will challenge me further. I’m sad to leave the game I love playing behind, but I am excited about what the future holds. I’d like to express a heartfelt thank you to family, friends, teammates, coaches, administrators, media and fans, who’ve supported me,” McCullum added.