2025 has become a significant turning point in international cricket, with several celebrated players bidding farewell to the sport at the highest level. Their retirements mark the end of remarkable careers, filled with iconic performances and unforgettable moments. From India to Australia and beyond, here’s a look at the top 10 cricketers who officially announced their retirement in 2025.
1. Steve Smith (Australia) – Retired from ODI Cricket
Australian batting stalwart Steve Smith officially retired from One Day Internationals following his team’s exit from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Smith, who played 170 ODIs, leaves behind a legacy of 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, including 12 centuries. He remains active in Test and T20 formats and continues to be a central figure in Australian cricket.
2. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – Retired from ODI Cricket
One of the game’s most dynamic entertainers, Glenn Maxwell announced his retirement from the 50-over format at age 36. Citing recurring back issues and workload management, Maxwell stepped away after 149 ODIs, scoring 3,990 runs and taking 77 wickets. His record-breaking 201-run knock against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup remains a career-defining highlight.
3. Marcus Stoinis (Australia) – Retired from ODI Cricket
All-rounder Marcus Stoinis stunned fans by announcing his ODI retirement just ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Known for his clutch performances, Stoinis played 74 ODIs, scored 1,495 runs, and took 48 wickets. While stepping away from 50-over cricket, he continues to be a vital force in Australia’s T20 setup.
4. Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa) – Retired from All International Formats
South African wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen announced his retirement from all international formats on June 2, 2025. At 33, Klaasen decided to prioritize family and franchise commitments. Over 60 ODIs and 58 T20Is, he established himself as a power-hitting middle-order threat, with over 1,000 runs in each format.
5. Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – Retired from All International Formats
Veteran New Zealand opener Martin Guptill officially retired from international cricket in January 2025. One of the finest limited-overs batsmen of his generation, Guptill played 198 ODIs (7,346 runs) and 122 T20Is (3,531 runs). His record-breaking double century in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal remains etched in history.
6. Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka) – Retired from All Formats
Former Sri Lankan Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne hung up his boots in 2025, concluding a steady and respectable career. In 100 Test matches, he amassed 7222 runs, while also contributing in 50 ODIs. Karunaratne’s calm demeanor and consistency made him a reliable pillar at the top of Sri Lanka’s batting order.
7. Wriddhiman Saha (India) – Retired from All Formats
Indian wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha announced his retirement from international cricket after years of service behind the stumps in Test matches. Known for his world-class glove work, Saha featured in 40 Tests, scoring 1,353 runs and completing 92 dismissals. He was a mainstay during India’s dominant home seasons throughout the 2010s.
8. Rohit Sharma (India) – Retired from Test Cricket
One of modern cricket’s most decorated batters, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025. Sharma played 67 Tests, scoring 4301 runs at an average of 40.6, including 10 centuries. Known for his elegant stroke play and leadership,he captained India during one of its most consistent red-ball phases.
9. Virat Kohli (India) – Retired from Test Cricket
Capping off a glorious era, Virat Kohli bid farewell to Test cricket this year. Over 123 matches, Kohli scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.9, with 30 centuries. His aggressive leadership, fitness revolution, and consistency redefined Indian Test cricket in the modern age. He continues to remain active in limited-overs formats.
10. Piyush Chawla (India) – Retired from All Formats
Piyush Chawla, India’s veteran leg-spinner and two-time World Cup winner, retired from all forms of cricket in June 2025. Known for dismissing Sachin Tendulkar with a googly at 17, he made his international debut as a teenager. Chawla played 35 international matches and took 446 first-class and 319 T20 wickets. He was crucial in India’s 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup wins, and excelled in the IPL with multiple title-winning teams. In his farewell, he thanked his family, coaches, and fans for their support.
Closing Note: End of an Era, Dawn of a New Generation
The retirement announcements of these ten players have not only stirred emotions among fans but also marked a transition period for their respective national teams. Each of them has contributed uniquely to the global cricketing fabric be it through leadership, skill, or sheer entertainment.
Written by – Ritesh
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