The 41-year-old Warne, who has played only in the IPL since retiring with 708 test wickets in 2007 as the world greatest legspinner, issued a Twitter post on Friday saying “it’s time to say goodbye to IPL.” “It’s 100 percent my last 4 games of professional cricket unless we make finals — maybe I have 5 or 6 left,” he tweeted. “I will miss the IPL but it’s been fun for the last 4 seasons ... I’ve had a great time.
“A big thank you to everyone that has helped me — supported me through all the ups and downs — hope you have enjoyed watching me play.” Rajasthan thanked Warne for his four years with them, and said he will continue with the team as an adviser.
“He has been instrumental in nurturing young talent in the team and making Rajasthan Royals a formidable force in IPL,” Rajasthan said in a statement.
Warne has been acknowledged as the driving force behind a team that has not always depended on stars to perform, and surprised everyone by winning the inaugural IPL in 2008. He can often be seen motivating youngsters and is credited for developing a strong work ethic in the team.
“He will continue his association with the Royals in coming years and will offer his invaluable guidance to young players,” they added. “We are looking forward to him assuming a larger role in the team and continuing adding value to the team’s success.” Batsmen have not been able to score easily off Warne even in the fourth year, and he is joint fifth on the list of this season’s wicket-takers with 11 from nine games.
Warne has played 52 games for Rajasthan, taking 56 wickets at an average of 24.66 in the rich Indian competition.
His international career largely predated the immensely popular Twenty20 format, but finished on a high with a lopsided Ashes series victory for Australia.
He played 145 tests, taking his then world record to 708 wickets at an average of 25.41. In 194 limited-overs internationals, he took 293 wickets at an average of 25.73.
Since then, he has carved out a role with the Royals as a captain and coach, worked as an expert commentator and stayed in the newspaper headlines — most recently for his relationship with British actress Liz Hurley, who has attended his recent IPL matches.
During his international playing career, Warne constantly dodged controversies, including allegations he gave pitch and weather information to an illegal bookmaker, a ban for taking a performance-enhancing substance he claimed was contained in a weight-loss pill his mother had given him, and persistent reports of extramarital affairs.
In a newspaper column last month, Warne said he felt he was still up to the rigors of playing in the IPL.
“My general fitness is as good as it has ever been, I have worked hard on that lately,” Warne wrote. “But toiling away for long spells and backing up the next day takes time, practice, lots of physiotherapy and even more dedication.” It’s not the first time he has made a major announcement via Twitter.
In a series of tweets on the fifth day of a test that Australia played against India in Bangalore — which India won by seven wickets — Warne criticized captain Ricky Ponting’s field placement, particularly for offspinner Nathan Hauritz. Ponting hit back at Warne’s ignorance.
Warne played his last test against England at Sydney in 2007 in Australia’s last Ashes series victory.
