Warne to hang up his boots

Shane Warne has stated he is to retire from professional cricket at the end of the Indian Premier League season.

Warne, currently playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, confirmed via Twitter the current campaign will be his last.

The 41-year-old finished with 708 Test and 293 ODI wickets to his name following a glittering international career with Australia, and has taken 11 wickets in nine IPL matches this season.

The Australian great tweeted: "Yes this is my last year playing IPL. It's 100 per cent my last four games of professional cricket unless we make (the) finals - maybe I have 5 or 6 left.

"I have always tried to be entertaining on the field - cricket to me has never been a job it's been my hobby. Love the game and the people."

Warne, who led Rajasthan to victory in the inaugural IPL, has not ruled out taking on a mentoring or coaching role next season.

"Re next year, who knows what or if I will be involved in IPL re mentor/coaching - am focused on doing best for RR this year - see u at ground," he added.