Australian Pacer Jason Behrendorff Retires From State Cricket, Ends 16-Year Link With Western Australia

Jason Behrendorff has announced his retirement from state cricket, ending his 16-year association with Western Australia. But the Australian pacer has declared that he will continue to play T20 cricket at home and abroad.

The 34-year-old, who joined Western Australia as a teenager after growing up in Canberra, finishes with 75 wickets in List A and 126 wickets in Sheffield Shield for his team. Behrendorff also switched to Melbourne Renegades from Perth Scorchers after the recent Big Bash League (BBL).

Last featuring for Australia over a year ago in T20 format and nearly three years in ODI format, the left-armer has also not featured for Western Australia since September last year and opted not to take a state contract for the 2024-25 season.

Behrendorff recalled when he made the move to Western Australia as a teenager, but said it was the right time to move onto the next phase of his career as he added there is still plenty of cricket left in him.

"I've been able to live my childhood dream playing state cricket to then have played some cricket for Australia as well. The WACA has been my home for so long now. I've spent my whole adult life here, really," Behrendorff was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au following his retirement announcement.

"I turned 19 just as I came across and moved to Perth, and now nearly 35, I've have certainly had a lot of good times here. I'm taking a step in a slightly different direction but by no means is it cricket finished for me; I've still got plenty of cricket left in me, but from a WA point of view, it's time to move on."

Behrendorff, who has featured in several T20 tournaments, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), recently played in the SA20 league, turning up for Pretoria Capitals. He is expected to become one of the sort after pacers in franchise cricket league across the world from now.

Behrendorff represented Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2019 and 2023 seasons, claiming 19 wickets in 17 matches. He did not find any takers at the mega auction last year, but presents a great opportunity for teams who will be in need of replacements for injured players.