Kane Richardson retires from professional cricket at 34

Former Australia fast bowler Kane Richardson announced his retirement from professional cricket on Tuesday, bringing his career to a close after first debuting in 2009. The 34-year-old made the announcement through an Instagram post before issuing a statement via the Australian Cricketers’ Association.The 34-year-old had signed a one-year deal with the Sydney Sixers for the current Big Bash League season but played only two matches before deciding to step away from the game."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," Richardson said."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," he added."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 concluded.Richardson was a long-time figure in the Big Bash League. A BBL original, he played for Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades, winning the title with the Renegades in the 2018–19 season. He finished as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in BBL history, with 142 wickets.Richardson represented Australia in 25 One-Day Internationals and 36 T20 Internationals. He was part of Australia’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2021 in the UAE and was also included in the following edition hosted in Australia. He additionally featured in the 2019 ODI World Cup squad.