Reuters

London, Mar 28: Shane Warne is retiring from first class cricket and will no longer play for Hampshire, the English county announced on Thursday.

"I am retiring from all first class cricket but will participate in the IPL (Indian Premier League) with the Jaipur franchise as captain and coach," the great Australian leg spin bowler told the Hampshire web site (www.rosebowlplc.com).

Warne, who took 708 wickets in 145 Tests following his 1992 debut, was going to play for Hampshire again this season but the county club's chairman, Rod Bransgrove, said the two parties had mutually agreed to a parting of the ways.

"I know this will be a major disappointment to many fans of both Hampshire and Shane but, after much discussion and soul-searching, it has become clear to both of us that Shane can no longer make the commitment required to continue to lead Hampshire," he said.

"Hampshire Cricket has been hugely privileged to have enjoyed the unstinting loyalty of this living legend since 2000. The most effective and entertaining bowler of all time, Shane Warne was also a brilliant leader and strategist."

Warne added: "This was not an easy decision to make but due to some exciting business opportunities, and wanting to spend more time with my children, I had to make this call."