Hampshire have confirmed that spinner Shane Warne will not return to play for the county in the forthcoming domestic campaign.

Rose Bowl plc chairman Rod Bransgrove admitted that Warne's increasing business interests and family life would impact on his availability for the county.

Bransgrove explained the decision to end their association with the 38-year-old Australian has been "mutual" and that it had been made amicably and with great sadness on both sides.

Bransgrove said: "Hampshire Cricket has been hugely privileged to have enjoyed the unstinting loyalty of this living legend since 2000. The most effective and entertaining bowler of all time, Shane Warne was also a brilliant leader and strategist.

"As our captain, his influence was instrumental in the development of Hampshire into one of the country's top sides and he enriched the game wherever he played.

"I know this will be a major disappointment to many fans of both Hampshire and Shane but, after much discussion and soul-searching, it has become clear to both of us, that Shane can no longer make the commitment required to continue to lead Hampshire.

"His many other business and charitable activities, together with his strong desire to share quality time with his beloved children, makes further extended periods away from home unmanageable at this stage of his life.

"After the commitment and loyalty he has shown to this club over the past few years, I can only wish him all the success and happiness he deserves.

"I am sure that all our supporters will join us in, firstly, thanking Shane for his dedication and commitment and, secondly, wishing him and his family the best of wishes for the next phase of his life. Warnie will be sorely missed, never forgotten.''

Warne, who made his debut for Hampshire in 2000 and had been captain since 2004, also confirmed his decision to retire from all first-class cricket after his involvement in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

"My eight years involved with Hampshire have been a wonderful experience.

Memories that will last with me forever and likewise the friendships that have been formed at the club,'' Warne said.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rod Bransgrove, Paul Terry and Tim Tremlett for their ongoing support and the opportunity to captain the club, and I wish them all the best for the coming season.

"Unfortunately I am retiring from all first-class cricket but will participate in the IPL with the Jaipur franchise as captain and coach.

"This was not an easy decision to make but due to some exciting business opportunities and wanting to spend more time with my children, I had to make this call.''

Warne took 276 first-class wickets for Hampshire at an average of 25.59 with best match figures of seven for 99 against Middlesex at the Rose Bowl.

He also contributed 2,040 runs with the bat with a highest score of 107 against Kent at Canterbury in 2005.

The leg-spinner continued: "Good luck to all involved at the Rose Bowl I wish you all the best.

"I was very lucky to have played with such a wonderful group of guys, thanks for the great times - thank you very much for your support and friendship.

"To all the support staff at the Rose Bowl, thank you for making my time at the club an enjoyable experience and making me feel so welcome.

"To all the fans that have turned up to watch the Hawks play, thank you very much for embracing me as one of you, and supporting me and the team, it meant a lot to me.

"To Dimi (Dimitri Mascarenhas), the new captain, who is also one of my best friends, good luck with it all buddy, my thoughts are with you and the guys.''

Hampshire team manager Paul Terry added: "I have been extremely lucky to have had the best seat in the house for the past few years working closely with this legend.

"I'm very sorry, although not entirely surprised Warne has come to this decision.

"Most importantly it's his deep affection for his three lovely kids that strongly influenced this decision and it's now he feels the time is right to spend more time with them.

"He has been fantastic for the club with his incredible enthusiasm, drive and skill as captain.

"He will be missed considerably on the field as there has never been anyone better but most importantly he will leave behind a host of friends that he has made through his kindness, generosity and loyalty.

"He will be missed, but certainly never forgotten, and I personally thank him for the experience and wish him fantastic success in all his future endeavours.''

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