Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson has officially brought down the curtain on his professional cricket career, ending a journey that spanned nearly
two decades across international cricket, domestic competitions and global T20 leagues.
Richardson, who was part of Australia's triumphant squad in the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, leaves the game with a reputation as a one of the most reliable bowlers.
His impact was most evident in the Big Bash League, where he emerged as one of the tournament's most consistent performers. Across 15 seasons of the BBL, Richardson picked up 142 wickets, placing him among the top wicket-takers in the competition's history.
Throughout his BBL career, the right-arm pacer represented three franchises - Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers. His most memorable stint came with the Renegades, where he played a key role in their title-winning campaign in BBL|08. With 104 wickets in 80 matches for the Melbourne-based side, he finished as their leading men's wicket-taker in the league.
On the international stage, Richardson wore the Australian jersey in 25 ODIs and 36 T20Is, contributing valuable spells with the ball during a period when Australia were building a formidable white-ball unit. His career, however, was not limited to the national setup. Richardson's T20 journey began in 2009 with South Australia and gradually expanded into a global adventure that saw him feature in the IPL, England's domestic circuit and leagues in the UAE.
In the IPL, he represented franchises such as Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals and Pune Warriors, while also turning out for teams like Kent, Birmingham Phoenix and Dubai Capitals. Injuries in recent seasons slowed his momentum, and he eventually wrapped up his playing days with the Sydney Sixers in BBL 15.
Richardson announced his retirement on social media, drawing emotional reactions from teammates and fans. Close friend Adam Zampa paid tribute, writing, "My friend has played his last game of professional cricket; 18 years in the game, wouldn't be the person I am without him. "
Beyond T20 cricket, Richardson also built a solid record in longer formats, taking over 100 wickets in first-class cricket and more than 150 in List A matches. As he steps away from the field, Kane Richardson leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience, adaptability and consistent excellence across formats.
