Shane Watson calls time on Big Bash career: "I have so many amazing memories"

The former Australian international has stood down from his role as Sydney Thunder captain to spend more time with his family

Shane Watson has announced his retirement from the Big Bash.

The former Australian international has stood down from his role as Sydney Thunder captain to spend more time with his family.

Watson, 37, will continue to feature in T20 franchise tournaments overseas.

"I have so many amazing memories that I will savour forever with the one standout being our (tournament) win in 2016," he said.

"To my teammates, I have played with so many great people and cricketers at the club and I sincerely wish everyone the absolute best for the upcoming seasons."

"Shane Watson was one of the most exciting short-form players ever to grace a cricket field," Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts said.

"In a career which spanned almost two decades Shane made a major contribution to Australian cricket firstly at international level and then in domestic cricket as a significant contributor to the Big Bash.

"Talented, skillful and powerful, Shane was a devastating batsman at his best."

Watson hit 1,058 runs and claimed 20 wickets in 42 Big Bash games.