Hayley Matthews to Miss WBBL 2025 for Melbourne Renegades

Melbourne Renegades have received a significant setback ahead of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) draft, as their star all-rounder Hayley Matthews has been ruled out of the upcoming season due to shoulder surgery. Matthews, who had been signed as a pre-draft recruit for two years by the Renegades, was announced unavailable just hours before the draft.

Matthews sustained a shoulder injury while fielding in the first ODI against England, forcing her to miss the last two games of the series. Despite the injury, she continued to play in the home ODIs against South Africa and will participate in the upcoming T20I series. She will also feature in the Women's Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in September before undergoing surgery during the Women's ODI World Cup, as West Indies failed to qualify for the tournament. Consequently, she will be unavailable for the remainder of the year.

"We are clearly disappointed that Hayley won't be with us this season," said Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten. "She has been instrumental during her time with the Renegades, not just with her performances but with her leadership and professionalism. There's a very close relationship between the Renegades and Hayley, and we know it will continue next year and beyond. Hayley loves this club, and we share in her disappointment at not being available for this year's tournament."

With Matthews out, the Renegades now have all three overseas slots to fill at the WBBL draft in Melbourne.