
The 36-year-old’s 17-year long professional cricket career was studded with several fluctuations.
Symonds last played for Australia three years ago, when his skirmish with alcohol abuse saw him sent back to home from the World Twenty20 in England.
Thereafter he featured several domestic sides and clubs in limited-overs cricket and Twenty20 leagues.
His decision to say adieu to game means that he will not finish his deal with the Mumbai Indians franchise across the fifth edition of the IPL.
“Effective immediately, I am retiring from all forms of professional cricket,” Symonds said in a press conference.
“It is with regret that I will not be able to fulfill my final year of the IPL with the Mumbai Indians. Mumbai Indians and the IPL have both been very supportive of me, but the impending arrival of my first child is a priority.”
Symonds scored 5,088 runs from 198 ODIs at an average of 39.75 while 1,462 runs from 26 Tests at an average of 40.61. He also has 133 and 24 wickets in ODI and Test Cricket respectively.
He played a pivotal role in Australia’s back-to-back World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007.