Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade has announced he'll retiring from first-class cricket after Sheffield Shield final where he will be playing for Tasmania. The final, which his team will be playing against Western Australia, will be beginning from Thursday in Perth. This will be his 166th and last first-class game. 

However, Matthew Wade will be actively engaged in white-ball cricket, and is also expected to be selected for Australia’s T20I World Cup squad. Recently, Matthew Wade prioritised his participation in Sheffield Shield final for Tasmania, deciding to miss the opening games of his team Gujarat Titans at the IPL. Indian Premier League 2024 is slated to be kicked off from 22nd March.

“Firstly, I would like to thank my family, my wife Julia, and kids Winter, Goldie, and Duke, for the sacrifices they have made throughout my career, as I travelled Australia and the world as a red ball cricketer. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges that the long-form game provides, and although I will continue to play white ball cricket, wearing the baggy green while playing for my country remains a highlight of my career,” Wade said in a statement. "

Wade won four titles during his stint with Victoria before joining Tasmania ahead of the 2017/18 season. However, Tasmania are yet to win a title. Making his debut in first-class cricket in 2007, Wade has hoarded 9,813 runs, including 19 hundreds and 54 fifties. Wade has also played in 36 Test matches for Australia, scoring 1,613 runs. 

"I am grateful to all of my team-mates throughout my career, along with Cricket Victoria for providing me with the foundations to grow as a first-class cricketer, and Cricket Tasmania for supporting me in finishing my career as a cricketer in my home state."