Brett Lee has confirmed that he will retire from cricket at the end of his Big Bash League campaign with the Sydney Sixers.

The pace bowler played 76 Tests, 221 one-day internationals and 25 Twenty20 internationals for Australia before stepping away from the international game in 2012, and he has since become a specialist in the shortest format for domestic sides in India, New Zealand and in his home country.

"I knew before the season started that this was going to be my last season," Lee said. "I met with [coach] Trevor Bayliss and the talk was will I play for another two or three years, and I had that option, but I said to him straight away I want to make this my last year, I really want to enjoy this year.

"I think I've certainly had a lot more fun in the last six weeks than I ever have in my life. That's because I haven't put pressure on myself.

"Cricket has given me so many great memories, it has given me so many great opportunities. I've been lucky enough to play for 20 years, whereas most people might get a year or two. To play for two decades at the top level, really happy."

The Sixers play their final regular-season game against the Sydney Thunder next Thursday, but Lee's career could be extended if his side reach the finals.