Brisbane Heat has announced it has split with the BBL’s all-time leading run-scorer, Chris Lynn.
The 32-year-old, who was a member of the Heat’s BBL|02 championship-winning team, will not be offered a new deal, ending his time at the club after 102 matches.
“It’s not a decision that has come easily to the Heat by any means,” Heat boss Terry Svenson said in a statement.
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“Chris Lynn and his feats have made an indelible impression on the club, and his efforts over more than a decade can rightly be said to have had an enormously positive effect on cricket.
“We should gratefully acknowledge the influence he has had on a generation of kids who have grown up being thrilled by his batting exploits.
“The Heat wish him nothing but the best for the future as he transitions into another phase of his career and thank him wholeheartedly for his commitment to the game in Queensland.”
Long regarded as one of the most explosive players in the competition, Lynn had a disappointing BBL|11, scoring just 215 runs at an average of 17.91 and a strike rate of 125.
That’s well down on his overall figures for the Heat, where his 3005 runs have come at an average of 34.54 and a strike rate of 148.76.
Lynn is the BBL’s all-time leader for sixes, with 180, well ahead of the next best, Glenn Maxwell, who has hit 109.
Brisbane finished seventh on the ladder last summer, winning just three of their 14 matches.
Queensland Cricket’s recruitment boss, Ian Healy, said the Heat needed to look to the future, conceding the decision won’t be universally popular.
“Chris Lynn will be missed by thousands, however, the decision we have made as a club is about building on the legacy that he leaves as a foundation player, captain and ambassador for the Heat,” he said.
“We thank Heat members, fans, corporate partners and sponsors for their wholehearted support of ‘Lynny’ and recognising his great performances over the past 11 seasons.
“He holds a very special place in our history.”
Lynn’s split with Brisbane is likely to result in a bidding war amongst the other clubs for his services, particularly as the fact he doesn’t play for Australia means he’s one of the biggest names available for the entire BBL tournament.
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