Shane Warne will not be returning to play for Hampshire in 2008, a decision that ends his first-class career.
Australian leg-spinner ends first-class career to concentrate on IPL
Shane Warne will not be returning to play for Hampshire in 2008.
The decision was prompted by Warne's limited availability due to his participation in the Indian Premier League, as well as increasing business and family commitments.
It was already known that the Victorian leg-spinner would miss the start of the season and the Twenty20 Cup, but he has now confirmed that he will not be returning to the Rose Bowl at all.
That move brings the curtain down on Warne's first-class career, having already retired from Test and Australian domestic cricket.
The 38-year-old joined Hampshire in 2000 and has been captain for the last four seasons. He described his time at the county as 'a wonderful experience'.
Warne took 276 of his 1,319 first-class wickets for Hampshire and led the side to the 2005 C&G Trophy, although he missed the final due to international commitments.
Memories
"My eight years involved with Hampshire have been a wonderful experience," he said.
"Memories that will last with me forever and likewise the friendships that have been formed at the club.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rod Bransgrove (chairman), Paul Terry (team manager) and Tim Tremlett (director of cricket) for their ongoing support and the opportunity to captain the club, and I wish them all the best for the coming season.
"Unfortunately I am retiring from all first-class cricket but will participate in the IPL with the Jaipur franchise as captain and coach.
"This was not an easy decision to make but due to some exciting business opportunities and wanting to spend more time with my children, I had to make this call.
"Good luck to all involved at the Rose Bowl I wish you all the best.
"I was very lucky to have played with such a wonderful group of guys, thanks for the great times - thank you very much for your support and friendship.
"To all the support staff at the Rose Bowl, thank you for making my time at the club an enjoyable experience and making me feel so welcome.
"To all the fans that have turned up to watch the Hawks play, thank you very much for embracing me as one of you, and supporting me and the team, it meant a lot to me.
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To Dimi (Dimitri Mascarenhas), the new captain, who is also one of my best friends, good luck with it all buddy, my thoughts are with you and the guys."
Living legend
Bransgrove added: "Hampshire cricket has been hugely privileged to have enjoyed the unstinting loyalty of this living legend since 2000.
"The most effective and entertaining bowler of all time, Shane Warne was also a brilliant leader and strategist.
"As our captain, his influence was instrumental in the development of Hampshire into one of the country's top sides and he enriched the game wherever he played.
"I know this will be a major disappointment to many fans of both Hampshire and Shane but, after much discussion and soul-searching, it has become clear to both of us, that Shane can no longer make the commitment required to continue to lead Hampshire.
"His many other business and charitable activities, together with his strong desire to share quality time with his beloved children, makes further extended periods away from home unmanageable at this stage of his life.
"After the commitment and loyalty he has shown to this club over the past few years, I can only wish him all the success and happiness he deserves.
"I am sure that all our supporters will join us in, firstly, thanking Shane for his dedication and commitment and, secondly, wishing him and his family the best of wishes for the next phase of his life. Warnie will be sorely missed, never forgotten."
