Simon Katich announces retirement from all formats, will not play CLT20
Former Australian cricketer Simon Katich has announced his retirement from all forms of the game with immediate effect. Katich, having retired from first-class cricket in 2012, announced retirement from all forms of cricket, having led his side Perth Scorchers to the Big Bash League title earlier this year.
"It's always difficult when it comes to making these sorts of decisions. I've obviously been in a similar situation when I made the decision to retire from first-class cricket in Australia a few years ago. Having been through that before, it helped me understand the process a bit better and the more I thought about it, I felt the time was right," Katich said.
Katich played 56 Test matches for Australia, scoring 4188 runs, including 10 centuries and 25 half-centuries. The left-handed batsman also has 45 ODI caps and 3 T20Is to his name.
Ex-Australian international and his fellow opener Justin Langer, who is the coach of Perth Scorchers at the moment, heaped praise on the batsman, calling his contribution to the game as “immense”.
"Simon's contribution to Western Australian and Australian cricket has been immense and, whilst I'm disappointed he'll no longer play for the Scorchers, I respect his decision to move on,” said the coach that Katich will be missed when the T20 side participates in the Champions League T20 competition.
“As a person of extremely high integrity, I know 'Katto' has given this decision a lot of thought and I respect that he wants to finish his playing career as the captain of the triumphant Scorchers team last summer. I am glad he was able to retire on a high and where he started his illustrious career here at the WACA. In terms of leadership; there have been few stronger leaders in Western Australian cricket history.
"His honesty, example and fiercely competitive spirit have held him in high-regard everywhere he has been. Simon retires as one of the most admired and respected people I have had the privilege to play and work with and there is no doubt he will be a success in anything he pursues in the future. He leaves a legacy of professionalism, skill and physical and mental toughness that act as a wonderful inspiration now and into the future with the young players he has helped along the way," Langer said.
Speaking on his retirement, Katich said: "Justin (Langer), the coaching and support staff and all the players made the end of my playing years very memorable and very special. That's something I'll always be grateful for; to have finished at my home ground and in front of family and friends, with a great bunch of lads.
"I have a young family, I've had a great run and for my last game at the WACA, my home ground, to finish with a win in a successful (BBL 03) campaign, it's the stuff you dream of. I'll finish on a high and that was a big part of the reason I decided to pull up stumps," he added.
On chances of Perth Scorchers, who will be playing the CLT20 in India, Katich stated that it is someone else’s chance to step up.
“I've got a huge amount of confidence in this team. My decision certainly wasn't for any other reason other than I felt I'd had my time and now it's the boys' turn. The past three years have been outstanding at the Scorchers; we've been really consistent and getting to three finals, then getting over the line last year was very rewarding for everyone involved," said Katich.