'I will now have set periods of rest throughout the Australian summer and while touring which I feel will be very beneficial.

'While I will no longer be available for Australian Twenty20 cricket, I look forward to playing with Tasmania's KFC Big Bash team where possible and to fulfilling my contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League,' said Ponting.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said: 'We are very supportive of the decision Ricky has made and understanding of the reasons behind it. Needless to say he will be a huge loss to the Twenty20 side but it does present opportunities for the other players and leaders within Australian cricket to gain further experience.'