'It's a shocker! C'mon BMac, the game needs you': Twitter reacts to McCullum's retirement announcement

Blockbusting New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum announced Tuesday he will bow out of international cricket after the Test series against Australia in February, saying “all good things must come to an end”.

The New Zealand captain’s 101st and last Test will be the second Test against Australia which starts in his home town, Christchurch, on February 20.

“I’ve loved my opportunity to play for and captain the Black Caps,” the 34-year-old said.

McCullum said there was “something romantic” about finishing in front of his home crowd and he made the announcement now because his name would be missing when the New Zealand team is named soon for the World Twenty20 in India from March 8 to April 3.

The news of his retirement drew mixed response on social media with people congratulating him on a successful career as well as expressing disappointment on the fact that he should have at least played the World T20 and then quit. Here’s how Twitter reacted to the news.

Brendon McCullum has been good for cricket and he has enriched it. In doing so he has raised the esteem his country's cricket is held in.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 22, 2015

My reaction after hearing about the news of Baz's retirement! #AbsoluteShocker pic.twitter.com/Mfot2HWSYT

— Srini Mama (@SriniMama16) December 22, 2015

Brendon McCullum's decision to retire in February is huge setback for NZ. Terrific player and inspirational captain....

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) December 22, 2015

In T20 International

Most Runs: B McCullum
Most 100's: B McCullum
Most 50's: B McCullum
Most Fours: B McCullum
Most Sixes: B McCullum

— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) December 22, 2015

Brendon McCullum is on the way to end his career without missing a single Test match for his country 👌

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) December 22, 2015

Brendon McCullum to retire before #ICCWorldT20 - that is a shocker! C'mon BMac..the game needs you! #BrendonMcCullum

— Hemant (@hemantbuch) December 22, 2015

Brendon McCullum started out a prodigy, emerged as a fighter and will retire as a statesman

— Daniel Brettig 🏏 (@danbrettig) December 22, 2015

McCullum's decision to retire just ahead of the World T20 is unusual for it greatly weakens New Zealand. But I guess that's how he wants it

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 22, 2015

Congratulations Brendon McCullum, a great role model & game changer as a batsman & captain. #McCullumRetirement @BLACKCAPS

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) December 22, 2015

Brendon McCullum was a great entertainer, and one very under rated batsman in cricket. A power packed performer. #BrendonMcCullum

— Jone (@_imjone) December 22, 2015

McCullum retirement a huge shocker. That too coming before T20 WC. Played aggressively, led aggressively. But always with respect for game.

— Rohan (@cric_buff) December 22, 2015

With inputs from Reuters