Matthew Wade Bids Farewell to Big Bash League After 119 Matches

Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade has announced his retirement from the Big Bash League (BBL) after 15 seasons. The decision brings an end to a nine-season run with the Hobart Hurricanes.

Hurricanes Legacy: Wade finishes as the second-highest run-scorer in Hobart Hurricanes history, accumulating 2,423 runs in 90 matches for the franchise. He also captained the side for four seasons, leading them to the BBL|08 final.

Inaugural BBL Player: Wade was one of the few active players remaining from the inaugural 2011–12 Big Bash season. Prior to joining Hobart in 2017, he represented both the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades.  

Overall BBL Career Stats: Across 119 career BBL matches, Wade scored 2,878 runs at a strike rate of 138.16, including one century and 19 half-centuries, alongside 68 dismissals behind the stumps.

Future Focus: Having already retired from international cricket, Wade will transition into full-time coaching roles while continuing to play select overseas franchise T20 leagues. "His record speaks for itself, but what doesn't always show up in the numbers is the influence he has had on the players and people around him.

"He has been a fierce competitor, a leader and someone who has always demanded high standards, while his experience at the highest level of the game has been invaluable to our playing group. "Matt has given an enormous amount to the Hurricanes and we're incredibly grateful for everything he has contributed to the club.