Roberta Moretti, Brazil’s trailblazing women’s cricketer, retires from internationals

Former Brazilian women’s cricket captain Roberta Moretti has officially retired from international competitions, concluding a pioneering 13-year career that redefined the sport’s landscape in her home country. Leading Brazil’s women’s team as captain for 33 matches, Moretti amassed 68 appearances in T20 Internationals—the highest tally for the nation—alongside 1,278 runs and 33 wickets.

In an Instagram video announcing her retirement, Moretti reflected on her journey: “This has been a long journey. We endured many challenges, but I believe now is the time to embrace the next chapter. Since beginning cricket in 2013, my aspiration was always to don the Brazilian jersey and compete at the highest level. Initially, our goal was simply to win tournaments, but as victories mounted, our purpose evolved into fostering growth, integrity, and using cricket as a platform for personal and collective betterment. I’ve given everything to this sport, yet it has gifted me far more in return.”

Moretti’s influence extended beyond statistics. She has served as president of Cricket Brasil since 2025, a role she balanced with active participation in international matches. Her cricketing journey began with soft-ball cricket before transitioning to leather-ball formats in 2013. She debuted for Brazil in March 2014 at the South American Championship in Lima, a milestone achieved before the team secured formal international status.

As captain from 2014 to 2023, Moretti guided Brazil to two South American Women’s Championship titles across three tournaments between 2018 and 2023. She also helmed the squad during their participation in the Women’s T20 World Cup Americas Region Qualifier in 2021 and 2023. Notably, she was among the inaugural 14 players granted central contracts by Cricket Brazil in January 2020—a distinction earned prior to the introduction of similar frameworks for men’s cricket.

Moretti’s philosophy centered on holistic growth: “This was never solely about the game itself; it was about evolving as individuals. Witnessing Cricket Brazil’s transformation—from fundraising for tournaments through raffles and pizza sales to advancing as an Olympic sport—has been profoundly rewarding. Every chapter concludes, and I conclude this one with gratitude, respect, and peace.”

After stepping down as captain, Moretti continued playing domestically while mentoring young athletes and transitioning into cricket administration. Her final international innings saw her score an unbeaten 41 off 49 balls in the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament in Rwanda, where Brazil secured four of seven possible victories. Retiring as one of just two Brazilian women to surpass 1,000 T20I runs, Moretti emphasized her commitment to grassroots development: “I’ll continue advocating for cricket’s growth on administrative fronts, ensuring future generations access the opportunities I cherished. Greater than any medal or run is leaving the sport with the same passion that has fueled me throughout.”

Moretti’s retirement marks the end of an era for Brazilian women’s cricket, but her legacy as a trailblazer and leader remains firmly etched into the nation’s sporting history.

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