Matthew Wade has brought the curtain down on a remarkable Hobart Hurricanes playing career, retiring from the Big Bash after nine seasons in purple.
One of the most influential figures in Hurricanes history, Wade finishes his career as one of only three players to have scored more than 2000 runs for the club, while his unbeaten 130 remains the highest individual score by a Hurricanes batter.
Across 90 appearances for Hobart – the second most in club history – Wade became a central figure at the top of the order and played a major role in some of the Hurricanes’ most memorable performances.
He also featured alongside D’Arcy Short in the two highest partnerships in Hurricanes history, underlining the impact he had across his time in purple.
Cricket Tasmania General Manager – High Performance Salliann Beams said Wade’s contribution extended well beyond his impressive record.
“Matthew has been an incredibly important figure for the Hurricanes and Tasmanian cricket over a long period of time,” Beams said.
“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.
“We wish him and his family all the very best and look forward to watching the next chapter of his cricket career unfold.”
After representing the Melbourne Stars and Renegades for the first six editions of the Big Bash, Wade joined the Hurricanes ahead of BBL|07.
His 130 not out against the Adelaide Strikers remains the highest individual score in Hurricanes history, while he was a key member of the BBL|14 championship-winning squad.
Hurricanes Head Coach Jeff Vaughan said Wade’s competitive nature and cricket knowledge had left a lasting impression on Tasmanian cricket.
“‘Wadey’ is one of those cricketers you always wanted on your side,” 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.”
Wade retired from international cricket in 2024 following a career spanning 225 appearances for Australia across all three formats.
Since stepping away from international cricket, he has transitioned into coaching and has held a number of roles within the Australian men’s set-up, a pathway he will continue to pursue following his retirement from the Big Bash.
MATTHEW WADE HURRICANES CAREER
Matches: 90
Runs: 2446
Average: 32.18
S/R: 146.73
HS: 130*
100s: 1
50s: 17
41 Catches 6 Stumpings