Quantcast

Brad Hogg to leave Perth Scorchers

Justin Langer disappointed BBL legend Brad Hogg is switching teams

Perth Scorchers coach Justin Langer says he's disappointed Brad Hogg has chosen to leave the KFC Big Bash League club.

Hogg has told the Scorchers he's leaving, with reports suggesting he'll take up a deal with the Melbourne Renegades.

Langer, who has yet to speak with Hogg, says he was shocked by the decision.

Quick single: Updated BBL clubs for each squad

"Yeah, very disappointing," Langer said on Friday of Hogg, who played for the Scorchers in their back-to-back BBL titles.

"I know, but I can’t tell you where he’s going. But he’s leaving the Scorchers.

"I’m really disappointed about that. What can I say? I’m personally disappointed, professionally disappointed, but it’s his decision and life goes on.

"In my opinion he’s made the wrong decision, that’s okay, that’s not my business.

"But I can go to bed at night knowing we offered him more money than we offered him last year, we think we’ve had a good deal with him for the last few years and it could have been a real win-win situation for him and us."

WATCH: Langer wants Steyn, Morkel at Scorchers

However Langer is adamant his friendship with Hogg won't be affected by the decision.

"But we wish him the best, we’ve been friends since we went to school together," he said.

"I think he’s been brilliant for the Scorchers. I think on and off the field he is fantastic, he’s a good friend of mine but it’s disappointing."

Reports emerged late last month that Hogg would defect to the Renegades, with the Melbourne club declining to comment on the speculation at the time.

The club did not comment further on Friday, but is rumoured to be making an announcement - the details of which are unknown - on Monday.

WATCH: Hogg double turns the tide

Langer said Hogg could have remained with the Scorchers in various positions for years to come.

"He could have been involved with the Scorchers for the next 5 or 10 years because he’s had such an impact, whether it was in coaching or marketing.

"We offered him a position to keep playing for us. 

"He’s such an iconic figure with the Scorchers, it seems a bit strange to me that he’s decided to go that way.

"I got an email from his manager telling us his decision - a group email - and that’s what’s disappointing."

WATCH: Brad Hogg to play on for Perth Scorchers

But Langer believes the Scorchers can get past his departure in BBL|06.

"I’m starting to get thicker skin over the years. Go back to when Mike Hussey left and I was devastated … I nearly died but I know life will go on, no one is irreplaceable."