Australia’s World Cup Winning Captain and Big Bash Legend Aaron Finch Announces Farewell Season with Melbourne Renegades
Melbourne Renegades icon Aaron Finch is hanging up his BBL bat after this season, declaring BBL|13 his final campaign. The 37-year-old, one of Australia’s finest white-ball cricketers, made the emotional announcement at Marvel Stadium before Thursday’s clash with the Hobart Hurricanes.
A Renegade since the league’s birth, Finch’s influence on the club, the BBL, and its fans has been monumental. His unwavering dedication saw him captain the Renegades for nine seasons straight (BBL|02 to BBL|10), culminating in their maiden title in BBL|08. He holds the club’s record for most runs (3311*), trailing only Chris Lynn in the overall BBL tally.
Reflecting on his remarkable career, Finch expressed his love for every moment: “There were tough times, but also incredible highs, and I cherished every bit. Winning the BBL title stands out. It was truly special, and something I’ll never forget.”
“Wearing the same colors throughout my career fills me with pride. The Renegades have been a huge part of my life, and I’m immensely grateful for everything they’ve given me.”
Melbourne Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten lauded Finch’s legacy: “Finchy leaves an unforgettable mark on this club. It’s no exaggeration to say his name and the Renegades are practically synonymous.”
Rosengarten continued, “It’s impossible to measure Finch’s contributions to the Renegades and the BBL. He drew in fans and navigated the club through every challenge, embodying the grit and determination we associate with him.”
“On behalf of everyone at the club and Cricket Victoria, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Aaron. He’s woven into the very fabric of the Renegades, and we wish him, Amy, and Esther the best for the future. They’ll always have a place here.”
Head Coach David Saker praised Finch’s leadership: “Finchy has been an outstanding servant and leader. It’s incredibly rare to spend your entire BBL career with one club like he did. Everything the Renegades have achieved, Finch has played a crucial role in.”
Saker shared a personal anecdote: “I first coached Finchy when he led Victoria’s Under-19s, and I’ve witnessed his growth as a player and person. He’s a unique leader, tactically astute while trusting his gut, which takes courage on the field.”
Finch’s dedication to the Renegades makes him a true rarity. Only a handful of players remain from the BBL’s inaugural season – Moses Henriques (Sydney Sixers), Ashton Turner (Perth Scorchers), and Jordan Silk (Sydney Sixers) being the only ones with longer tenures at a single club.
Taking over the captaincy from current Australian coach Andrew McDonald in BBL|02, Finch’s leadership impact extended beyond the field. It peaked in early 2019 when he steered the Renegades to their first BBL title in a thrilling final against their archrivals, the Stars.
Fans will have the opportunity to bid farewell to their legend at the RMIT Melbourne Derby against the Stars on January 13th at Marvel Stadium.
