Former Blackcaps captain Brendon McCullum will pull stumps on his playing career at the end of this year and move into coaching.
The swashbuckling batsman reportedly told Brisbane Heat teammates last night that he would play his final Big Bash match against Melbourne Stars on Friday.
Brisbane are still a slim chance of qualifying for the Big Bash semi-finals if they win that game, but other results would have to go their way.
McCullum was one of the first overseas stars signed for the Australian T20 competition eight years ago and since stepping down from the NZ national team, he has become a hired gun in professional leagues around the world.
But he told teammates he would not return next summer.
"I will continue to play T20 cricket in 2019 in various competitions around the world and will then look to transition into a coaching career," McCullum said in a statement.
"The prospect of being able to transfer the skills, experience and leadership I have been lucky enough to bank over my long T20 - and also international - careet into coaching is very exciting."
McCullum last played for New Zealand in 2016.
He announced his plans after helping the Heat to a crucial six-wicket win over Adelaide Strikers, batting down the order and smashing 51 runs off 39 balls, before he was give out leg-before-wicket.
Newshub.
