Shane Warne admitted playing in England had been a ''wonderful experience'' after he announced his retirement from first-class cricket.

The 38-year-old Australian had agreed to remain at Hampshire until the end of the 2008 season and it was expected he would retire at the end of the campaign.

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

Warne confirmed he will fulfil his commitment to take part in the Indian Premier League, which starts on April 18 and ends with the final on June 1.

''My eight years involved with Hampshire have been a wonderful experience,'' Warne said.

''I have 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.

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

Warne took 276 first-class wickets for Hampshire at an average of 25.59 and also contributed 2,040 runs with the bat.

He 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.''

Rose Bowl plc chairman Bransgrove thanked Warne for his time with the county and explained that the decision was mutual and amicable.

''Hampshire cricket has been hugely privileged to have enjoyed the unstinting loyalty of this living legend since 2000,'' Bransgrove said.

''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.''

Hampshire team manager Paul Terry paid tribute to Warne and confirmed that Dimitri Mascarenhas will take over as captain.

''I have been extremely lucky to have had the best seat in the house for the past few years working closely with this legend,'' he said.

''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."