Scorcher Katich calls stumps

Perth Scorchers captain Simon Katich today announced his retirement from Twenty20 cricket.

Katich, who retired from the first-class arena in June 2012 but continued in County cricket until the following year, leaves the game with a glittering record, having most recently captained the Scorchers to the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash League title earlier this year.

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"It’s always difficult when it comes to making these sorts of decisions," Katich said.

"I’ve obviously been in a similar situation when I made the decision to retire from first-class cricket in Australia a few years ago.

"Having been through that before, it helped me understand the process a bit better and the more I thought about it, I felt the time was right.

"I have a young family, I’ve had a great run and for my last game at the WACA, my home ground, to be a win in a successful (BBL|03) campaign; it’s the stuff you dream of.

"I’ll finish on a high and that was a big part of the reason I decided to pull up stumps."

Katich’s retirement is effective immediately, which means he’ll play no part in the upcoming T20 Champions League tournament with the Scorchers, however the 38-year-old maintained belief in the Perth-based BBL outfit ahead of that campaign.

"I’ve got a huge amount of confidence in this team," he said.

"My decision certainly wasn’t for any other reason other than I felt I’d had my time and now it’s the boys’ turn.

"The past three years have been outstanding at the Scorchers; we’ve been really consistent and getting to three finals, then getting over the line last year was very rewarding for everyone involved.

"Justin, the coaching and support staff and all the players made the end of my playing years very memorable and very special.

"That’s something I’ll always be grateful for; to have finished at my home ground and in front of family and friends, with a great bunch of lads."

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Perth coach Justin Langer, a Test team-mate of Katich’s through the early 2000s, saluted his retiring champion.

"Simon’s contribution to Western Australian and Australian cricket has been immense and, whilst I'm disappointed he'll no longer play for the Scorchers, I respect his decision to move on," Langer said.

"As a person of extremely high integrity, I know ‘Katto’ has given this decision a lot of thought and I respect that he wants to finish his playing career as the captain of the triumphant Scorchers team last summer.

"I am glad he was able to retire on a high and where he started his illustrious career here at the WACA.

"In terms of leadership; there have been few stronger leaders in Western Australian cricket history.

“His honesty, example and fiercely competitive spirit have held him in high-regard everywhere he has been.

"Simon retires as one of the most admired and respected people I have had the privilege to play and work with and there is no doubt he will be a success in anything he pursues in the future.

"He leaves a legacy of professionalism, skill and physical and mental toughness that act as a wonderful inspiration now and into the future with the young players he has helped along the way."

Simon Katich: playing record

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