Former Mumbai Indians Player Retires from State Cricket

Australia pacer Jason Behrendorff has announced his retirement from state cricket, ending his 16-year association with Western Australia (WA). However, he will continue to play in franchise T20 leagues across the globe and is also available for Australia selection.

Behrendorff has played 12 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 17 T20 Internationals (T20Is) for Australia, the last of which came against the West Indies in February 2024. He also played 17 matches for Mumbai Indians (MI) across two seasons (2019 and 2023), picking up 19 wickets at an economy rate of 9.04.

He also picked up five wickets in their title-winning season in 2019. In 2023, he was the franchise's highest wicket-taker among pacers for MI, picking up 14 wickets in 12 matches. He leaves WA at the back of signing a three-year deal with the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League after winning four titles with the Perth Scorchers. 

"It is the end of one chapter, which has been a really exciting one," Behrendorff said after announcing his retirement on February 26 (Wednesday). 

"It's been so much fun. I've been able to live my childhood dream playing state cricket to then have played cricket for Australia as well. The WACA ground has been my home for so long now."

The 34-year-old gave up red-ball cricket in 2017-18 after just 31 first-class matches, in which he picked up 126 wickets at 23.85. He also played in the recent edition of the SA20, where he picked up two wickets in three matches for the Pretoria Capitals.

However, outside of cricket, he now wishes to spend more time with his family. "I know that I'm away with international commitments, franchise leagues and the like, but I want to be home and present for my kids. In particular, things like school pick-up and drop-off," he said.

"To be able to do those things I don't always get to do, to spend more quality time with my wife, Juvelle … to be able to immerse myself more in family life."