Former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds has ruled out a final Indian Premier League season and has retired from all forms of cricket, effective immediately. The 36-year-old was due to play for Mumbai Indians in the IPL this year, but has decided to retire. “Effective immediately, I am retiring from all forms of professional cricket,” Symonds said. “It is with regret that I will not be able to fulfil my final year of the IPL with the Mumbai Indians. Mumbai Indians and the IPL have both been very supportive of me, but the impending arrival of my first child is a priority.”
Symonds, who hasn’t played for Australia since 2009, played 26 Tests, 198 ODIs and 14 T20s for his country. The highlight of his Test career was a magnificent 156 against England at the MCG in 2006 as Australia surged to a 5-0 Ashes clean-sweep. The powerful all-rounder was also a part of Australia’s World Cup winning sides in 2003 and 2007, his innings of 143 not out against Pakistan in 2003 regarded as one of the best by an Australian at a World Cup.