Former Australian international Matthew Wade has called time on his Big Bash career nearly 15 years after playing in the T20 competition’s inaugural season.
The 38-year-old retired from international cricket two years ago, but continued to play in the BBL for the Hobart Hurricanes, as well as one-day cricket for Tasmania, during the last two summers.
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His decision to retire closes the curtain on a 119-game BBL career that began with the Melbourne Stars before moving to cross-town rivals the Renegades and then spending nine seasons in his home state with the Hurricanes.
Wade, who predominantly took the gloves in Australian colours but enjoyed a second coming in Test cricket as a specialist batter, also played 225 times for Australia across all three formats, including 36 Tests.
Last summer he also juggled his playing commitments with being a wicketkeeping and fielding coach for the national team.
“Matthew has been an incredibly important figure for the Hurricanes and Tasmanian cricket over a long period of time,” Cricket Tasmania general manager Salliann Beams said in a statement.
“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.”
Matthew Wade of the Hurricanes reacts as he leaves the field after being dismissed during the BBL match between Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder at Ninja Stadium, on December 16, 2025, in Hobart, Australia (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
As he did for Australia, Wade played various roles with the bat from opener to finisher – which he did so famously with his 17-ball 41 to get Australia over the line against Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup semi-final – during his BBL career.
He retires sitting in ninth place on the competition’s all-time leading run scorers charts with a tally of 2,978 runs.
The vast majority of those came for the Hurricanes with his 2,446 runs in purple placing him third behind Ben McDermott (3,184) and D’Arcy Short (2,706) in the club’s all-time leading run scorers list.
Wade does boast the highest ever score by a Hurricane, however, having smashed 130 not out against the Adelaide Strikers in BBL|09.
“‘Wadey’ is one of those cricketers you always wanted on your side,” Hurricanes’ men’s head coach Jeff Vaughan said.
“He competed incredibly hard every time he walked onto the field and had the ability to change a game very quickly, but equally important has been what he has passed on to the players around him.
“He has a fantastic cricket brain and has always been willing to share his knowledge and challenge those around him to get better.
“There are a lot of players within our system who have benefited from playing alongside Matt and I think that will be a significant part of his legacy here.”
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Wade’s announcement comes after retired Test batter Usman Khawaja inked a deal to continue on with the Brisbane Heat.
The 39-year-old retired from international cricket following January’s SCG Test against England and then called time on first class career at the end of the Sheffield Shield season in March.
“It’s going to be a bit strange, but very exciting as well, to be at the Gabba for the first game of our season on 15 December,” Khawaja said.
“In the past it has been a few games here or there, depending on the Australian team’s commitments, which has been enjoyable. But the prospect of a full competition is even better.”
It was also announced on Wednesday that the Adelaide Strikers have signed New Zealand international Mark Chapman.
The Strikers, who have already locked in former England captain Ben Stokes for the upcoming season, secured the 32-year-old for the full season, including finals, after he switched a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Adelaide Strikers and becoming part of such an exciting group,” Chapman, who has played 113 T20s for his country but has never featured in the BBL, said.
“The opportunity to play at Adelaide Oval in front of passionate fans, alongside world-class players like Ben Stokes and Matt Short was a huge drawcard, and I can’t wait to get started.”