Aaron Finch Announces Retirement From Big Bash League

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Former Australia captain Aaron Finch on Thursday (January 4) announced his retirement from the Big Bash League (BBL) after 13 seasons with Melbourne Renegades.

The 37-year-old former Australian opener, who retired from international cricket last year, has revealed that the ongoing season of BBL will be his last during Melbourne Renegades' match against Hobart Hurricanes at the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

"Melbourne Renegades legend Aaron Finch will call time on his incredible Big Bash career, announcing this BBL|13 season will be his last," Melbourne Renegades said in an official statement.

"One of Australian cricket's greatest white ball players, the 37-year-old confirmed the news at Marvel Stadium on Thursday evening ahead of the Renegades clash with the Hobart Hurricanes," it further added.

A Melbourne Renegades player since the inception of the competition, Finch's unwavering commitment to the club saw him captain the side for nine consecutive seasons, between season 2 and 10, leading the Renegades to their maiden BBL title in season 8.

The 37-year-old is the club's leading scorer with 3311* runs and sits behind only Chris Lynn on the Big Bash League's all-time runs tally, among a host of accolades.

Reflecting on his extraordinary career at both international and domestic level, Finch said he has "loved every minute" of his cricketing journey and added winning the BBL title is one of his best moment.

"There've been some real lows but great highs, 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 proud to have played at the one club for the entirety of my career," Finch was quoted as saying by Melbourne Renegades.

"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 teammates and all who have had a part to play at the club at all levels - thank you," he added.

Melbourne Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten congratulated Finch on his Big Bash career.

"Finchy leaves an extraordinary legacy at this club. It's not overstating things to say his name is synonymous with the club and everything we represent," Rosengarten said.

"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.

"On behalf of the club, and Cricket Victoria more broadly, I want to thank Aaron sincerely for everything. He is forever etched in the fabric of this club and I wish he, Amy and Esther the best for a bright future. They know they will always have a place with us," Rosengarten said.

"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," Melbourne Renegades BBL head coach, David Saker said.

"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 added.

Fans will get the chance to farewell Finchy for the last time at home at the RMIT Melbourne Derby against the Melbourne Stars on January 13 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

(With Agency inputs)