Shane Warne to retire from cricket after IPL season

Warne has enjoyed a long and illustrious career in the sport

Australian spin bowling legend Shane Warne says he will retire from professional cricket at the end of the current Indian Premier League campaign.

The 41-year-old, who plays and coaches the Rajasthan Royals, confirmed the news on his Twitter account.

He said: "It's 100% my last four games of professional cricket unless we make finals. Maybe I have five or six left.

"I will miss the IPL but it's been fun. I've had a great time - but it's time to say goodbye."

Rajasthan are next in action against Chennai on Monday and Warne's final match could be against Mumbai on 20 May unless they progress to the play-offs phase of the competiion.

The spin great retired from international cricket in 2007, after taking 708 Test wickets and 293 one-day wickets, and from the first-class game in 2008.

He made his first-class debut in February 1991 for Victoria and this season has taken 11 wickets in nine matches with the Royals in fourth place in the table after five wins from 10 matches.

Warne also performed with distinction for English county side Hampshire, and their chairman Rod Bransgrove told BBC Radio Solent that he planned to organise a special event to pay tribute to a player he considers to be the best spinner of all time.

"It's very sad we're never going to see this maestro in action again," he said.

"He changed the culture of the club from a competing club into a winning club and made players believe in themselves."

Warne has not ruled out the possibility of taking up a mentoring or coaching role next season.