Moises Henriques retires from Australian cricket, set for Portugal in 2028 T20 WC
Synopsis
Moises Henriques, the most capped player in Australian domestic cricket history with 420 appearances, has retired from NSW and the Sydney Sixers — but he is not done with cricket. The 39-year-old will represent his birth nation Portugal in 2028 T20 World Cup qualifying, making for one of the sport's more remarkable second acts.
Key Takeaways
Moises Henriques has retired from New South Wales and the Sydney Sixers after 22 years as a professional cricketer.
He holds the record as the most capped player in Australian domestic cricket history with 420 appearances (110 first-class, 112 List A, 198 T20s).
Henriques won 14 major trophies with Cricket NSW sides, including back-to-back BBL titles in BBL 9 and BBL 10 .
He will represent Portugal in European qualifying for the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup next month.
He is also set to play for Glasgow Cosmic in a new European T20 competition launching in August .
Henriques continues as Cricket NSW Foundation Director , a role he has held since late 2025 .
Moises Henriques, the most capped player in Australian domestic cricket history, has announced his full retirement from New South Wales (NSW) and the Sydney Sixers, drawing the curtain on a 22-year professional career that spanned all three formats of the game. The 39-year-old all-rounder made the announcement on 16 July, confirming he will next represent his native Portugal in European qualifying for the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup.
A Career in Numbers
Henriques departs with a staggering 420 domestic appearances — comprising 110 first-class, 112 List A, and 198 T20 matches — for NSW and the Sixers across all formats. He claimed 14 major trophies with Cricket NSW sides and earned Australian men's Test cap number 432 in 2013, having represented Australia across all three formats at the international level.
A three-time Big Bash League (BBL) champion, Henriques led the Sydney Sixers to back-to-back titles in BBL 9 and BBL 10, and guided the side to the BBL 15 Final in his final season. He signed his first NSW contract at the age of 17 and featured in all 15 completed BBL seasons with the Sixers.
Why He Is Stepping Away
Henriques was not offered a contract for the upcoming KFC BBL 16 season. He had also undergone back surgery in February. Despite receiving interest from other BBL franchises, he chose not to move on. His first-class retirement had already taken effect a year prior, with the latest announcement completing his exit from domestic cricket.
'I have been very fortunate to call cricket my job for the past 22 years as a professional athlete. I had interest from other BBL teams, but it just didn't feel right to go elsewhere,' Henriques said in a statement shared by Cricket NSW. 'I think it's time for me to call stumps on my career and start looking forward to the next chapter of my life.'
The Portugal Chapter
Born in Portugal and raised in Australia after migrating as a child, Henriques will turn out for the Portugal national side next month in a European qualifying tournament for the 2028 T20 World Cup. He is also set to represent Glasgow Cosmic in a new six-team European T20 competition launching in August, while remaining available for other overseas leagues.
What Comes Next
Henriques will continue his involvement with the game in his capacity as Cricket NSW Foundation Director, a role he has held since late 2025. His transition signals a new phase — one that keeps him connected to cricket administration while opening the door to a second playing chapter on the international stage with Portugal.
Point of View
His career arc — 420 domestic appearances, never a permanent international fixture — raises the perennial question about how Australian cricket values its most durable domestic servants. That he leaves without a BBL 16 contract, despite leading the Sixers to the BBL 15 Final, says something about how franchise cricket weighs age against loyalty.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moises Henriques retire from Australian cricket?
Henriques retired after not being offered a contract for the KFC BBL 16 season and following back surgery in February. He had already retired from first-class cricket a year earlier, and his full domestic retirement completes a 22-year professional career with NSW and the Sydney Sixers.
How many matches did Moises Henriques play in Australian domestic cricket?
Henriques made 420 domestic appearances in total — 110 first-class, 112 List A, and 198 T20 matches — making him the most capped player in Australian domestic cricket history. He also won 14 major trophies with Cricket NSW teams.
Why is Moises Henriques playing for Portugal?
Henriques was born in Portugal and migrated to Australia as a child. Having completed his Australian domestic career, he is eligible to represent Portugal internationally and will do so in European qualifying for the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup next month.
What is Moises Henriques' BBL record with the Sydney Sixers?
Henriques played all 15 completed BBL seasons with the Sydney Sixers and is a three-time BBL champion. He led the side to back-to-back titles in BBL 9 and BBL 10, and captained them to the BBL 15 Final in his final season.
What will Moises Henriques do after retiring from Australian domestic cricket?
Henriques will represent Portugal in 2028 T20 World Cup European qualifying and play for Glasgow Cosmic in a new European T20 competition launching in August. He also continues in his role as Cricket NSW Foundation Director, which he has held since late 2025.
