Australian cricket bids adieu to pace ace Ken Richardson, who has retired from all professional formats after a 17-year career studded with accolades. The 34-year-old, part of the 2021 T20 World Cup-winning squad, culminates his run with two final outings for Sydney Sixers in BBL 15.
His Big Bash legacy is unmatched: fifth on the men’s all-time wickets list with 142 from 15 seasons. Starting with Adelaide Strikers in the first-ever BBL match—36 games over six years—he revolutionized Melbourne Renegades upon switching in BBL 07, grabbing 104 wickets in 80 appearances (franchise record) and masterminding their BBL 08 success. Sydney Sixers marked his farewell.
Internationally, 36 T20Is and 25 ODIs bolstered Australia’s campaigns. First-class (102 wickets/34 matches) and List A (153/98) records affirm his depth, despite injury woes. Overseas, he lit up IPL for RCB, RR, Pune Warriors; England’s Kent and Birmingham Phoenix; and Dubai Capitals.
Instagram bore the retirement bombshell Monday, sparking acclaim. Teammate Adam Zampa posted: ‘My friend’s final pro game; 18 years, he made me who I am.’ Richardson’s retirement underscores a life of dedication, his influence rippling through Australian and global T20 circuits for years to come.