Wade had been consulting with Australia’s men’s team last year while still playing in the BBL for Hobart Hurricanes but has elected to step away from playing altogether ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Wade had retired from international cricket following the 2024 T20 World Cup and retires from the BBL as a key figure in the competition’s history. He began his career at Melbourne Stars in the inaugural season in 2011-12 playing alongside Shane Warne. He played 16 games with Stars and 13 with Melbourne Renegades before returning home to Tasmania to play 90 with Hurricanes.

He is ninth all-time for runs scored in the BBL and fifth for dismissals. Only Ben McDermott and D’Arcy Short have scored more runs for Hurricanes but no one has made a higher score than his career-best 130 not out and he was a key figure in their maiden BBL title in 2024-25.

“Wadey is one of those cricketers you always wanted on your side,” Hurricanes 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.”

Hurricanes high performance manager Salliann Beams also paid tribute to Wade.

“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.