Sydney Thunder veteran Nic Maddinson has become only the second player in Big Bash history to be dismissed ‘retired out.’
One of the rarest dismissals in professional cricket, the moment came in the first innings of the Thunder’s high scoring six-wicket loss to the Hurricanes in Sydney.
With Thunder captain David Warner blazing his way to record-breaking 130 not out, 34-year-old Maddinson took one for the team, voluntarily retiring at the end of the 18th over while on 30 runs from 26 balls.
The move allowed for hard-hitting teammate Daniel Sams to see out the final two overs, which saw the Thunder end on 4-205 from its 20 overs.
MORE: Big Bash results: Scores, standings, squads and schedule
Later in the evening, David Warner explained Maddinson’s thinking on the Fox Cricket coverage.
“He just felt like he was soaking it up a little bit too much and wasn’t hitting it as cleanly as he would like,” Warner said.
“He selflessly said ‘I reckon I just go’, so I let him make the decision—I can’t recall it happening (before).”
Should the move become more commonplace, it could create a fascinating new dimension for Big Bash line-ups and even extend the careers of more conservative players, allowing them to anchor the innings before stepping aside at the exact moment planned.
Last night’s match was Maddinson’s first Big Bash appearance in almost two years.
Englishman Joe Clarke became the first player to be retired out in December 2023 playing for the Melbourne Renegades.
Not often do you see this 👀
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 3, 2026
In his comeback match, Nic Maddinson retired himself out during the Thunder's match with the Hurricanes. #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/ZUoL5Z3LNf