Wright was ruled out of tomorrow’s match against the Thunder by the club’s medical staff after being diagnosed with delayed concussion following Tuesday's match against the Sixers. After discussing his situation with the club, Wright agreed to call time on his long-standing association with the Stars as a player.

A foundation member of the club, the 32 year-old has represented the Stars on more occasions – 57 - than any player. Wright is also the all-time leading run-scorer, having amassed 1,479 runs in his seven seasons at the top of the order. This total includes two centuries (HS 117) and a BBL record opening partnership of 172, set in BBL01 with Rob Quiney. The right-hander is a two-time Player of the Year award-winner for the Stars – in BBL03 and BBL06.

A fan and team favourite, Wright reflected fondly on his time with the Stars.

“It’s been seven years with the Melbourne Stars, and it’s been a time that I’ve absolutely loved and will cherish,” he said.

“I’m enormously proud to have been a foundation member and I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to play for such a long time and amongst so many great players and teammates.

“I’ve forged so many good friendships on and off the field and it’s been incredible to be part of such a tremendous club. I’ve loved running out onto the MCG in front of a terrific bunch of fans who’ve been so supportive.

“Obviously, it’s not the farewell I’d imagined, but that’s cricket. I leave with nothing but great memories of my time here and I wish the boys, and the club generally, all the best in the years to come. This chapter of my career is closed but I look forward to the next phase, and catching up with many of these guys down the track.”

Former Stars captain and current batting coach David Hussey lauded Wright’s contribution.

“Luke Wright has been a superstar of this club,” he said.

“He’s been a huge player for us from our very first year; a big game contributor who loved rising to the occasion. He played a number of important innings for us but two that spring to mind are the one in Hobart, where he and Bobby (Quiney) put on a mammoth partnership in BBL01, and his knock at the MCG against the Renegades (in BBL05), where he blasted an amazing century (109 not out off 63 balls).

“He has been a terrific competitor and one of the most genuine players you could share a dressing room with. He’s built a lot of friendships within the group and played a significant role in helping build our culture as a club.”

Stars CEO Clint Cooper said:

“Luke Wright has been an amazing player for the Stars and a wonderful, loyal and much-loved servant of our club.

“In T20 cricket, players frequently come and go – particularly overseas ones – but it’s a measure of Luke’s talent and character that he’s been welcomed back year after year.

“He’s been a stellar performer for us over the journey, and I’ve no doubt that he’s left an indelible mark on the club through his enormous contribution. There’s plenty of good people in cricket, but it’s rare to find one so universally liked and respected by teammates, opposition players and fans.

“We thank him sincerely for all he’s given us, and wish him and his family the very best in the years ahead. He will always be highly regarded and warmly welcomed back.”

Luke Wright Melbourne Stars Career 2011-2018

57 Matches

1479 Runs at 29.00 (Strike Rate 131.23)

2 x 100s (HS 117)

6 x 50s

165 x 4s

42 x 6s