West Indies ODI and T20I captain Shai Hope is returning to the Hobart Hurricanes for BBL|16, with the experienced international wicketkeeper-batter set to join the club for the full campaign.
Two years after a five-match stint during the Hurricanes’ 2024-25 championship season, Hope will again don purple, bringing international experience and leadership to a reshaped top order following the retirement of Matthew Wade.
Hope, 32, has established himself as a key figure in West Indies cricket and currently captains his country in both ODI and T20I formats.
The right-hander has scored more than 1700 runs in T20 internationals, striking at more than 136, and has become an increasingly influential player at the top of the order for the West Indies.
Hope first joined the Hurricanes for BBL|14, playing five matches before his campaign was cut short by overseas commitments.
His international experience, leadership and ability to contribute both with the bat and gloves made him a priority signing for the Hurricanes following Wade’s retirement, with his full-season availability providing an additional boost.
Cricket Tasmania General Manager – High Performance Salliann Beams said Hope had been a key target as the Hurricanes looked to reshape their top order.
“Following Matthew’s retirement, we knew we needed to add an experienced player who could have an impact at the top of the order and also provide us with another quality wicketkeeping option, and Shai ticks both those boxes,” Beams said.
“We saw during his first stint with us the quality and experience he brings, and his T20 game has continued to develop since then.
“Importantly, having Shai available for the entire tournament gives us some real stability. He already knows our environment and a number of the players, so we’re really excited to welcome him back to Hobart.”
Hope said the opportunity to return to the Hurricanes and spend a full season with the club was an exciting one.
“I really enjoyed my time in Hobart a couple of seasons ago, so I’m very excited to be coming back to the Hurricanes for BBL|16,” Hope said.
“It’s a great group and I already know a number of the guys, so I’m looking forward to getting back into the environment and building on those relationships.
“The club has obviously enjoyed some great success since I was last there, and I’m looking forward to getting back to Hobart, contributing wherever I can and doing everything I can to help the team have another successful season.”
HOBART HURRICANES BBL|16 SQUAD
Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Shai Hope, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Billy Stanlake, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa
Hobart Hurricanes Memberships and tickets are available now.