(BBC) Former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds has announced his retirement from professional cricket.
Symonds, 36, was contracted to play for the Mumbai Indians in the forthcoming Indian Premier League season.
The Birmingham-born cricketer, who played 26 Tests for Australia, terminated the deal for family reasons.
“Effective immediately, I am retiring from all forms of professional cricket,” said the former English county player.
He added: “Mumbai Indians and the IPL have been very supportive, but the arrival of my first child is a priority.”
It has brought to an end a career marked by big hitting in the limited overs game. He played a key role in the victorious Cricket World Cup campaigns of 2003 and 2007.
