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Chris Lynn and Brisbane Heat part ways after 11 seasons
Follow UsThe Heat are planning to get hold of Usman Khawaja who ended his association with Sydney Thunder earlier this year
Brisbane Heat have decided to "move on" from Chris Lynn after 11 years of partnership, the franchise announced on Wednesday (May 11). The BBL's all-time leading run-scorer hasn't been offered a new contract for next season after Brisbane finished seventh in the last edition.
The dynamic right-hander is the only batter in the history of BBL to score over 3000 runs and play 100 games for the same franchise. Lynn, who has smashed more sixes (180) than any other batter in the competition, also captained Brisbane in 50 encounters.
"Chris Lynn will be missed by thousands, however, the decision we have made as a club is about building on the legacy that he leaves as a foundation player, captain and ambassador for the Heat," said former Test star Ian Healy, who heads Queensland's recruitment and retention committee.
The Heat have failed to make the finals four times in the last five years and have not reached a decider since their title win in 2012-13. Lynn himself was horrible last season, managing only 215 runs at 17.91 in 12 matches. He also stepped away from the captaincy last summer to focus on his batting.
"It's not a decision that has come easily to the Heat by any means. Chris Lynn and his feats have made an indelible impression on the club, and his efforts over more than a decade can rightly be said to have had an enormously positive effect on cricket," said Queensland Cricket and Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson.
"We should gratefully acknowledge the influence he has had on a generation of kids who have grown up thrilled by his batting exploits. His appearance in a teal jumper each year would no doubt be linked by many households to the onset of their holidays, with the BBL being such an integral part of summer holidays."
"The Heat wish him nothing but the best for the future as he transitions into another phase of his career and thank him wholeheartedly for his commitment to the game in Queensland."
Cricket.com.au reported that the Heat are planning to get hold of Usman Khawaja who ended his association with Sydney Thunder earlier this year due to family reasons. The left-hander now lives in Brisbane and could be a perfect fit for the franchise.