Burgess had been at Warwickshire since 2019, initially joining from Sussex on a two-year deal. With his current contract running until the end of the 2025 season, the 30-year-old has decided to step away from the game completely and will pursue other career options in London.
Speaking about his retirement, Burgess said: “It has been a very difficult decision. I know it will come as a surprise to many people at the club. But I have decided it is the right time to step away from the game and look for other opportunities.” .
“I would like to thank all the members, fans and the club in general for their support over the last six years. Warwickshire is a brilliantly supported club and the members make it a great place to play cricket.
“Winning the Championship in 2021 will always be an incredibly special part of my career and something I will always be proud of. It has been fantastic to share a dressing room with this group of players, who I know will bring many future successes to the club.”
In a statement issued by Warwickshire on Wednesday, performance director Gavin Larsen said: “On the one hand, it is extremely disappointing to lose a player of Michael’s experience, but we also recognize that all players’ careers come to an end at some time and Michael has decided that now is the time. It’s time for ‘life after cricket‘.
“What I loved about Michael was his combativeness and toughness with the bat when presented with challenging situations. I have lost count of the number of times he has rescued a championship inning by batting superbly with his tail.
“He is a talented goalkeeper who has always shown the ability to deliver classy performance behind the stumps. There is no doubt that his all-round skills will be missed. He made the call right at the start of the new season, when the players return to the trainings. , so it gives us time to consider options.
“We wish Michael all the best and, as we say to all our outgoing players, ‘Once a bear, always a bear.’ Michael will be welcome back to Edgbaston at any time and we wish him all the best for his new team. Start of my career in London.”
