After a prolific domestic cricketing career in Australia, Moises Henriques has retired from his stint with the Sydney Sixers and New South Wales (NSW). Nonetheless, the seasoned all-rounder has not bid goodbye to the sport yet as he continues to play internationally for his native nation of Portugal in ICC World Cup qualifiers.
This 39-year-old retired from first-class cricket in March 2025 and continued playing in List A games for NSW in the 2025-26 season. Additionally, he led the Sydney Sixers to the finals of the Big Bash League (BBL) in January. After the end of the season, the Sydney Sixers did not renew his contract and thus ended his illustrious 15-year period at the club.
Though there have been offers from other BBL teams, Henriques did not want to continue playing elsewhere and decided to end his domestic career in Australian cricket at the very same BBL club that he started playing with.
He leaves the BBL as the most experienced player ever in terms of number of BBL matches, having played 154 matches in total out of the 15 seasons of the competition. He made his debut in the BBL in the final match of the first-ever season of the tournament and left in the final match of his last season in the competition. In Australian domestic cricket, he holds the record of participating in 420 matches, which includes 110 first-class games, 112 List A games, 38 BBL domestic T20 matches for NSW, and 6 Champions League T20 matches for Sixers where he was successful in helping his team win in the 2012-13 season.
His international career saw Henriques playing 4 Tests, 16 ODIs, and 24 T20Is, the last of which took place in 2021.
Speaking about his retirement, Henriques revealed that he was privileged to be part of a 22-year career in professional cricket. He mentioned receiving approaches from other franchises of the Big Bash League to join them but explained that he had never considered playing for any other club. Moreover, Henriques expressed gratitude to his team-mates, coaches, and support staff who were instrumental in making his cricketing career an incredible experience. According to him, his retirement opens a new chapter in his life that he is eager to experience.
Rachael Haynes, Sydney Sixers’ general manager, described Henriques as a very influential personality in both the Sixers’ and Big Bash League’s history. The player retires as the Sixers’ all-time highest run-scorer and is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the history of the competition.
John Knox, Cricket NSW chair, praised Henriques for his longevity and contribution to Australian domestic cricket. The chairman of Cricket NSW emphasized the fact that Henriques played 420 domestic matches during 22 years, won 14 domestic trophies, and amassed more than 13,000 runs and 200 wickets. Additionally, John Knox paid tribute to the leadership of the cricketer because Henriques captained his team in almost half of all the matches he played.
Alistair Dobson, the GM of BBL, too, paid respect to this legend, stating that he was amongst the greatest servants of this league. He appreciated Henriques for his great service to the BBL by being its record-capped player, three-time champion, and one of the most respected captains in the tournament. Dobson also said that Henriques had always been admired by teammates, rivals, and all spectators for his outstanding contribution towards the development of the Big Bash League.
With a 22-year-long career in Australia’s domestic cricket, Moises Henriques exits as one of the best domestic cricketers of the country. Although his career with the NSW and Sydney Sixers is now coming to an end, fans of this beautiful game can look forward to seeing him at the international level as he is about to begin his next career as a Portuguese player.
