Brendon McCullum has no regrets about retiring from international cricket

Often we have seen some of the greatest players retire after their time is well over since the urge to continue playing international cricket is so very strong. But some do stand out and make people wonder why now? Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum was one of those players who retired when at his prime. With the World T20, 2016 in sight he decided to call it a day but McCullum who is playing the Pakistan Super League (PSL) said that he doesn’t regret his decision.

He played 101 Tests, 260 ODIs and 71 T20Is led the team from the front. McCullum had a great time as a batsman as well as skipper giving a new energy to the young New Zealand team. But he continues to feature in various T20 leagues around the world including the IPL, BBL and the PSL.

Speaking to PakPassion.net, he said: “I have absolutely no regrets at all about retiring. I had a great time playing international cricket but then like everything else in life, good things must come to an end.”

“The timing of my retirement was right for the team and it was a good point for myself to move on, and for someone else to take over the captaincy. The new captain, Kane Williamson, was definitely the right man for the job and he’s done a great job already so far. It’s also a great feeling to support New Zealand from afar as well.” McCullum said.

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He is in the UAE at the moment to captain the PSL team Lahore Qalandars, after touching down he tried to inspire the team with a pep talk that would also help them gel well as a unit. The 35-year-old is excited as he is making his PSL debut, “Yes, frankly I can’t wait for it to start. It’s the first time I’ve been involved in the PSL.”

“I’ve been here for around a week and have got to meet the guys and have got to know the squad members pretty quickly. It’s been a cool environment to be a part of, so far. We can’t guarantee success but we certainly are going into this tournament with the right team spirit and have most boxes ticked in terms of our preparation, so let’s see how we go in the coming days.”

Twenty20 and Test cricket are very different – the requirements from players as well as the captain vary and the players need to adapt to the format to deliver. T20 is about pace, risk taking and thinking on your feet.

“The main difference is in the pace of play and the level of risk you must operate at to win such games. Twenty20 cricket forces you to operate at a higher intensity and has a level of risk which is something I love that about playing these Twenty20 leagues. You’re constantly making decisions and taking educated gambles in the hope that, at the end of the game, these calls allow your team to come out on top. It’s completely different from Test cricket but you still require the ability to understand where the game is going and try and stay in front of it.

“Test cricket, on the other hand, has an element of thoroughness and requires longer planning in terms of your strategy. Twenty20 is good fun and it’s not just on the field, but the environment off the field; the language you talk and discussions you have with the players needs to be consistent. You need to try and allow them to have a good time, play with freedom and go out there and push the envelope and display their skill-set which will allow them to perform at their best,” he added.

Qalandars finished with the wooden spoon last season and have brought in McCullum to bring about a change in the fortunes of the team. Talking about the prospect of his team in the tournament this year McCullum said: “Yes, we can and that is what we are here for. But then there are four other teams that are also pretty keen to win it as well so we’re respectful of that. Those teams have some outstanding cricketers, both globally and internationally as well. As for us, we’ll be well prepared and function as a tight unit on the field and off it as well. We’ll give it our best and hopefully, things will happen to our satisfaction.”