Warne calls time on first-class career

(CNN) -- Shane Warne will not return to play for English county Hampshire this season, in a move that effectively signals the end of the leg-spin legend's first-class cricket career.

Australian great Warne, 38, who had a year remaining on his Hampshire contract and had been due to captain them again this season, said business commitments and a desire to see more of his young children had prompted his decision to end an eight-year association with the county.

Warne, second in the list of Test cricket's all-time leading wicket-takers, will now retire from all first-class cricket following his involvement as captain and coach of the Jaipur franchise in the new Indian Premier League.

"My eight years involved with Hampshire have been a wonderful experience. Memories that will last with me forever and likewise the friendships that have been formed at the club," Warne said.

"Unfortunately I am retiring from all first-class cricket but will participate in the IPL with the Jaipur franchise as captain and coach.

"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," Warne, Hampshire's captain since 2004, added.

"I was very lucky to have played with such a wonderful group of guys, thanks for the great times -- thank you very much for your support and friendship.

"To all the fans that have turned up to watch Hampshire play, thank you very much for embracing me as one of you, and supporting me and the team, it meant a lot to me."

Warne took 276 first-class wickets for Hampshire at an average of 25.59 with best match figures of seven for 99 against Middlesex at the Rose Bowl. He also scored 2,040 runs with a best of 107 against Kent at Canterbury in 2005.

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove 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. As our captain, his influence was instrumental in the development of Hampshire into one of the country's top sides.

"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.

"After the commitment and loyalty he has shown to this club over the past few years, I can only wish him all the success and happiness he deserves."

Credited with singlehandedly reviving interest in leg-spin bowling, Warne finished his Test career at the end of last year's Ashes series against England in Australia with 708 wickets at an average of just over 25 apiece from 145 matches.

Warne's record, however, has been subsequently surpassed by Sri Lanka's extraordinary off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. E-mail to a friend