The year 2025 will go down in cricket history as a year of emotional farewells. From seasoned veterans who have served their nations for over a decade to shocking early retirements that stunned fans worldwide, the game has seen a significant change in its landscape. The list of cricketers who have taken retirement this year is packed with legends, game-changers, and even players in their prime who chose to step away from international cricket.
In this article, we highlight the top 10 Cricketers Who Have Taken Retirement in 2025, ranked in reverse order from 10 to 1. Each player’s journey, career achievements, and memorable moments are explored in detail. We also provide individual stat tables for every cricketer, showcasing their country, matches played, and highest score. This comprehensive list pays tribute to legends, impactful performers, and even surprising early retirements. By reflecting on the Cricketers Who Have Taken Retirement, we aim to celebrate their contributions to the sport and inspire future generations. Ultimately, this guide offers readers an insightful look at the Cricketers Who Have Taken Retirement and the remarkable careers that concluded this year.
Here are the Top 10 Cricketers Who Have Taken Retirement in 2025:
10. Andre Russell (West Indies)
Andre Russell, one of the most explosive all-rounders in modern cricket, officially retired from international cricket on July 22, 2025, after his final match against Australia in Jamaica. Known for his unmatched power-hitting, lightning-fast bowling, and electric fielding, Russell became a household name in global T20 leagues. While his Test career was limited to a solitary match, he made his mark in white-ball formats, scoring 1034 runs in 56 ODIs and 1122 runs in 85 T20Is. With the ball, he took 70 wickets in ODIs and 61 in T20Is.
Russell’s illustrious career includes winning T20 World Cups with West Indies in 2012 and 2016, cementing his status as a match-winner. Despite battling frequent injuries, he consistently delivered with both bat and ball, becoming one of the most feared all-rounders in world cricket. His ability to change games single-handedly made him invaluable to the team. Russell’s retirement marks a significant loss for West Indies cricket and adds his name to the growing list of cricketers who have taken retirement in 2025.
| Country | Matches Played | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 142 | 64* |
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9. Peter Moor (Zimbabwe/Ireland)
Peter Moor’s cricketing journey is a fascinating tale of representing two nations at the highest level. Retiring in July 2025, Moor became one of just 17 cricketers to play Test cricket for two different countries — Zimbabwe and Ireland. He began his international career for Zimbabwe in 2014, featuring in eight Tests, before moving to Ireland and adding another seven to his name. In total, Moor played 15 Tests, 49 ODIs, and 21 T20Is.
While he may not have been a global superstar, Moor’s commitment to the game was unwavering. His adaptability across different playing conditions and formats made him a valuable squad member. His retirement places him among the many cricketers who have taken retirement this year who might not have dominated headlines but earned respect through consistency and dedication.
| Country | Matches Played | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe/Ireland | 85 | 152 |
8. Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lankan veteran Angelo Mathews retired from Test cricket in June 2025, ending an illustrious 16-year career that began in 2009. Renowned as one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable middle-order batsmen, he amassed 8214 runs in 119 Tests, including 16 centuries. His calm temperament and ability to anchor innings under pressure made him a cornerstone of the team’s batting lineup. Mathews’ departure is a significant moment for Sri Lankan cricket, as he joins the esteemed list of cricketers who have taken retirement in 2025.
Mathews also contributed as a medium-pace bowler early in his career, giving Sri Lanka balance in their playing XI. His leadership qualities and match-winning abilities will be sorely missed. His exit adds another illustrious name to the long list of cricketers who have taken retirement in 2025, signaling the end of an era for Sri Lankan Test cricket.
| Country | Matches Played | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 119 | 200* |
7. Nicholas Pooran (West Indies)
Nicholas Pooran’s decision to retire from international cricket in June 2025, at just 29 years old, came as a shock to fans and experts alike. A natural stroke-maker and one of the cleanest hitters in modern cricket, Pooran had already established himself as a T20 sensation. In ODIs, he scored 1983 runs in 61 matches, including three centuries, while in T20Is, he accumulated 2275 runs with 13 fifties.
Pooran’s explosive batting and mastery against spin established him as a crucial figure in West Indies cricket. Renowned for his ability to accelerate the scoring rate and change the course of matches, he often dismantled bowling attacks with ease. His early retirement in 2025 comes as a shock to fans and analysts alike, as he was widely expected to be the backbone of the West Indies batting order. This unexpected decision adds him to the list of surprising cricketers who have taken retirement in 2025.
| Country | Matches Played | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 167 | 118 |
6. Piyush Chawla (India)
Piyush Chawla, a name etched in Indian cricket history, retired from all forms of cricket on June 6, 2025. Known for his leg-spin and accuracy, Chawla played a limited number of international matches but left a lasting legacy by being part of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squads. He featured in 3 Tests, 25 ODIs, and 7 T20Is, taking 43 wickets across formats.
Despite being absent from the Indian national team since 2012, Piyush Chawla continued to shine in domestic cricket and the IPL, where his leg-spin and experience often proved decisive. Known for delivering in high-pressure matches, he played key roles in several tournament victories. In 2025, his retirement marks the conclusion of a career built on consistency and clutch performances. Chawla now joins the growing roster of cricketers who have taken retirement in 2025, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Indian cricket.
| Country | Matches Played | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|
| India | 35 | 24 |
5. Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa)
Heinrich Klaasen announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket on June 2, 2025, bringing an end to a career marked by explosive batting and wicketkeeping skills. Renowned for his ability to dominate spin, he was a match-winner in limited-overs formats. In 60 ODIs, Klaasen amassed 2141 runs with four centuries, while in 58 T20Is, he added 1000 runs to his tally. He also represented South Africa in four Tests. His departure is a notable addition to the list of cricketers who have taken retirement in 2025.
Klaasen’s fearless approach made him a match-winner on numerous occasions, particularly in limited-overs cricket. His exit is another reminder of the high-profile cricketers who have taken retirement this year, leaving South Africa with a significant gap in their middle order.
| Country | Matches Played | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 122 | 174 |
4. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
Glenn Maxwell’s ODI retirement on June 2, 2025, marked the end of one of the most unpredictable and entertaining careers in modern cricket. In 149 ODIs, Maxwell scored 3990 runs at a strike rate of 126.70 and claimed 60 wickets. His unbeaten 201* against Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup remains one of the greatest innings in cricket history.
Glenn Maxwell’s explosive batting, innovative stroke play, and handy off-spin made him one of Australia’s most entertaining and impactful cricketers. Known for his fearless approach, he could single-handedly change the course of a match, particularly in ODIs. His fielding brilliance added further value to his all-round package. In 2025, Maxwell’s decision to retire marks the end of an era for Australian cricket. His name now joins the distinguished list of cricketers who have taken retirement in 2025, leaving a significant void in Australia’s limited-overs setup.
| Country | Matches Played | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 149 | 201* |
3. Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli’s Test retirement on May 12, 2025, marked the end of a golden chapter in Indian cricket. Over 123 Tests, he amassed 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 7 double centuries. Renowned for his unmatched intensity and aggressive captaincy, Kohli led India to 40 Test wins — the most by any Indian skipper. His departure from the longest format adds him to the elite list of cricketers who have taken retirement in 2025, leaving an irreplaceable legacy.
Even as Virat Kohli continues in ODIs, his absence from Test cricket signals a major shift for India. His farewell adds a monumental name to the list of cricketers who have taken retirement in 2025, highlighting the significant changes unfolding in the upper echelons of international cricket’s elite ranks.
| Country | Matches Played | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|
| India | 123 | 254* |
2. Rohit Sharma (India)
Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement on May 7, 2025, came after a career that saw a remarkable transformation when he was promoted to opener in 2019. In 67 Tests, he scored 4301 runs with 12 centuries, including a highest score of 212.
Rohit’s elegance at the crease and leadership qualities will be missed in the longest format. His retirement adds to the already long list of cricketers who have taken retirement in 2025, marking the departure of one of India’s finest Test openers.
| Country | Matches Played | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|
| India | 67 | 212 |
1. Mahmudullah (Bangladesh)
Mahmudullah, one of Bangladesh’s most experienced cricketers, retired from all formats after the 2025 Champions Trophy. He had previously stepped away from Tests in 2021 but continued in ODIs and T20Is until 2025. Across formats, he played 50 Tests, 239 ODIs, and 141 T20Is, scoring over 11,000 runs.
A dependable middle-order batsman and occasional bowler, Mahmudullah captained Bangladesh in multiple formats. His retirement tops the list of cricketers who have taken retirement this year, symbolizing the end of a significant chapter in Bangladesh cricket.
| Country | Matches Played | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 430 | 150* |
FAQ’s
Q1: Which famous cricketers announced retirement in 2025?
A1: Some notable names include Virat Kohli (Test cricket), Kane Williamson, and David Warner. These retirements mark the end of an era for world cricket.
Q2: Why are so many cricketers retiring in 2025?
A2: Many players from the golden generation have reached the twilight of their careers, while workload, fitness, and franchise commitments have influenced their decisions to retire.
Q3: How will these retirements impact international cricket?
A3: The retirements will open opportunities for young talents but may also leave a leadership and experience gap in teams that relied on these seasoned stars.
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