Elyse Villani retires from WBBL after leading Hobart Hurricanes to maiden title

Former Australian cricketer Elyse Villani has announced her retirement from the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) after leading Hobart Hurricanes to their maiden title. The Hurricanes completed a memorable triumph with an eight-wicket victory over Perth Scorchers in front of a packed home crowd at Bellerive Oval on Saturday, December 13.

With the win, Hobart Hurricanes now hold both the Big Bash League (BBL) and WBBL trophies, capping off a historic moment for the franchise. Villani, who captained the side, played a pivotal role in the team’s success throughout the season.

After the final, Villani revealed that the match marked her final WBBL appearance. The 36-year-old enjoyed a remarkable career in the competition, featuring in all 11 seasons of the WBBL. She previously represented Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars before finishing her career with Hobart Hurricanes, where she finally lifted the coveted title after finishing runner-up on three occasions.

Villani also enjoyed a distinguished international career, having represented Australia in 99 matches, and leaves the WBBL as one of its most influential and respected figures.

"It's a fairytale ending and in elite sport it's very rare to have that. It has been playing on the back of my mind this season and I was hoping this could be the way it finished. I was 80% sure this was the way it was going to go to retire after the game, but as soon as we won, I knew this was the moment,” said Villani as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Villani joined Hobart Hurricanes ahead of the 2022-23 season, at a time when the side had finished last in three of the previous five campaigns. Under her leadership and guidance, the Hurricanes rebuilt their squad and enjoyed a remarkable turnaround, losing just two matches in the title-winning season.

Villani confirmed she will continue to play for Tasmania in the 50-over format and will transition into an off-field role with Hobart Hurricanes, continuing her association with the franchise beyond her playing career.

"Sometimes you can have a really good list and feel the pressure of that list. But what this group has done really well is that at different points in the season different people performed. Cricket has been something that has been a big part of my life and something I'll miss a lot but at the same time you can't sort of live this dream forever," said Villani.

Speaking about the match, Perth Scorchers were restricted to 137 for 5 before Hobart Hurricanes opener Lizelle Lee turned on the heat with an unbeaten 77 off just 44 deliveries. Her innings, which included 10 fours and four sixes, came 11 months after Mitchell Owen smashed 108 on the same ground, helping Hobart Hurricanes secure their first BBL title.