Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove admitted Shane Warne's interests outside of the sport played a significant part in his decision to retire from first-class cricket.

The 38-year-old Australia legend had initially agreed to remain at Hampshire until the end of the 2008 season, when it was expected he would retire.

But Warne's burgeoning business interests and family commitments have prompted him to call time on his involvement with the county ahead of the forthcoming campaign.

"What we had arranged was that Shane would come back to Hampshire for the last couple months of the season to see out his first-class career," Bransgrove said.

"But he does have an awful lot of other commitments. I think it has been an increasing pressure for him to try to get back and see his kids as often as he wants.

"It just felt right to me that it was the time to say, 'Look, we are deluding ourselves, let's agree that this is a good time to part company professionally' and that's what we have done.

"Shane is in a unique position in that he has a lot of commitments.

"And it is not just the poker tournaments, an awful lot has been said about his poker tournaments this year, but only two of those occur in the cricket season.

"He's doing a lot of television work, travelling a lot and another two months away from home was more than he could reasonably bear.

"It was getting to the stage where we had to make a decision about how much you can squeeze out of a season to accommodate one individual, no matter how great they are, and we agreed this was the best compromise."

Warne took 276 first-class wickets for Hampshire at an average of 25.59 and made 2,040 runs and Bransgrove was quick to praise his contribution.

"Hampshire Cricket has been hugely privileged to have enjoyed the unstinting loyalty of this living legend since 2000," Bransgrove added.

"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."

Warne claimed it had been a difficult decision to leave the Rose Bowl but had thoroughly enjoyed being part of the game in England.

"My eight years involved with Hampshire have been a wonderful experience," said Warne, who will still play in the forthcoming Indian Premier League event.

"Memories that will last with me forever and likewise the friendships that have been formed at the club.

"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."

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