It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that Chris Lynn is arguably the greatest player to have played the Big Bash League (BBL). As a matter of fact, he has made it a habit to hit sixes in this league for fun. Over the years, he has gone to become synonymous with the Brisbane Heat.
However, in what comes as sad news for all the fans, the Brisbane-based franchise have decided not to offer him a new deal. Thus, they have parted ways with the destructive batter after 11 years. It is to be noted that Lynn has played 102 games for them, and became the first player to feature in BBL games with the same team. The decision to move on from Lynn comes as a shocking one as the franchise's dynamics have revolved around his aggressive approach.
Not only has the Queenslander hit the most number of sixes in the history of the Australian T20 league, but he is also the all-time leading run-getter in the BBL. Lynn has scored 3005 runs in this league at an average and strike rate of 34.54 and 148.83 respectively. Ian Healy, who happens to be the head of Queensland's recruitment and retention committee, explained the decision to move on from Lynn.
"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," said Ian Healy, as quoted by cricket.com.au.
Besides, Lynn had led Brisbane in four editions. The first being in the 2015-16 season (fifth season of the BBL), and the other three being the eighth, ninth and tenth edition of the BBL. However, the 11th edition didn't really turn out to be a good one for him. Lynn could only score 215 runs at 17.91 in 12 games. Nevertheless, Brisbane Heat's CEO Terry Svenson thanked him for his contributions, and wished him best of luck for his future.
"It's not a decision that has come easily to the Heat by any means. 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," said Svenson. Thus, it will be exciting to see which team Lynn ends up playing for in the upcoming edition of Australia's T20 league.