Former Australia allrounder Andrew Symonds has pulled out of this year’s Indian Premier League and retired from all forms of professional cricket.
Symonds was due to play for the Mumbai Indians during the April-May tournament, but the 36-year-old said the impending birth of his first child was a key factor in his decision.
“Recently I have had several new and exciting opportunities come my way, and I have decided it’s time to commit to and develop the next stage of my life,” said Symonds, who played 26 Tests and 198 one-dayers for Australia.
“It is with regret that I will not be able to fulfill my final year of the IPL with the Mumbai Indians.
“Mumbai Indians and the IPL have both been very supportive of me … and I wish the team every success this year.”
Symonds hasn’t played for Australia since being sent home from the Twenty20 World Cup in England in 2009 but has turned out for several domestic sides in limited-overs cricket.