List of Cricket Legends Retiring in 2025

The year 2025 marks the end of an incredible era in international cricket as several iconic players have announced their retirement. These legends have not only served their countries with dedication but have also redefined the sport through their extraordinary performances, sportsmanship, and impact on global cricket. Here's a detailed look at the careers and legacies of the greatest names leaving the field in 2025.

1. Virat Kohli – India 🇮🇳

• Career Span: 2008 – 2025
• Format Stats:
  • Tests: 113 matches, 8,848 runs, 29 centuries, 29 fifties, Avg: 49.15
  • ODIs: 292 matches, 13,848 runs, 50 centuries, 71 fifties, Avg: 58.67
  • T20Is: 117 matches, 4,008 runs, 1 century, 37 fifties, Avg: 52.73
• Strike Rate: ODI – 93.58, T20I – 137.96
• Notable Moment: 183* vs Pakistan (Asia Cup 2012) – One of the most dominant ODI innings ever played by an Indian.
• Legacy: Known as the “Run Machine”, Kohli will be remembered as one of the finest chasers in ODI history and a fiery leader who transformed India’s Test performance overseas.

2. Rohit Sharma – India 🇮🇳

• Career Span: 2007 – 2025
• Format Stats:
  • Tests: 56 matches, 3,987 runs, 10 centuries, Avg: 45.65
  • ODIs: 262 matches, 10,709 runs, 31 centuries, 52 fifties, Avg: 49.12
  • T20Is: 148 matches, 3,853 runs, 4 centuries, Avg: 30.82
• Strike Rate: ODI – 89.97, T20I – 139.97
• Notable Moment: 264 vs Sri Lanka (Eden Gardens, 2014) – Highest individual score in ODI history.
• Legacy: The “Hitman” redefined batting in white-ball cricket with his elegance and ability to convert starts into daddy hundreds. He is also the only player to score 3 double centuries in ODIs.

3. David Warner – Australia 🇦🇺

• Career Span: 2009 – 2025
• Format Stats:
  • Tests: 112 matches, 8,786 runs, 26 centuries
  • ODIs: 161 matches, 6,932 runs, 22 centuries
  • T20Is: 99 matches, 2,894 runs, Avg: 32.88
• Strike Rate: ODI – 95.31, T20I – 141.30
• Notable Moment: 335* vs Pakistan (Adelaide, 2019) – Third-highest individual Test score for Australia, showcasing Warner’s explosive style and stamina over 418 balls.
• Legacy: A dynamic opener who brought aggression into Australian cricket post-Sehwag era. Warner played a major role in Australia’s 2015 World Cup victory.

4. James Anderson – England 🇬🇧

• Career Span: 2003 – 2025
• Format Stats:
  • Tests: 187 matches, 700+ wickets, Economy: 2.78
  • ODIs: 194 matches, 269 wickets
• Notable Moment: Reaching 600 Test wickets at Ageas Bowl in 2020 – first fast bowler to do so.
• Legacy: Widely regarded as the greatest swing bowler in Test history. Played a key role in England’s Ashes victories and maintained elite form well into his 40s.

5. Shakib Al Hasan – Bangladesh 🇧🇩

• Career Span: 2006 – 2025
• Format Stats:
  • Tests: 66 matches, 4,600+ runs, 233 wickets
  • ODIs: 247 matches, 7,200+ runs, 300+ wickets
  • T20Is: 117 matches, 2,400+ runs, 140 wickets
• Notable Moment: 606 runs and 11 wickets in 2019 World Cup – arguably the greatest all-round performance in a single World Cup edition.
• Legacy: One of the most consistent all-rounders of his generation. He transformed Bangladesh’s global image and led from the front for over 15 years.

6. Trent Boult – New Zealand 🇳🇿

• Career Span: 2011 – 2025
• Format Stats:
  • Tests: 78 matches, 317 wickets
  • ODIs: 114 matches, 211 wickets
  • T20Is: 55 matches, 74 wickets
• Notable Moment: Leading wicket-taker in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups – instrumental in New Zealand reaching both finals.
• Legacy: Renowned for his left-arm swing and new ball mastery. Boult was a vital cog in the Kiwi pace attack alongside Tim Southee.

7. Jos Buttler – England 🇬🇧

• Career Span: 2011 – 2025
• Format Stats:
  • ODIs: 181 matches, 4,700+ runs
  • T20Is: 114 matches, 3,000+ runs
• Strike Rate: ODI – 118.66, T20I – 144.69
• Notable Moment: Match-winning 59* vs NZ in 2019 World Cup final and running out Martin Guptill – iconic Super Over moment at Lord’s.
• Legacy: The face of England’s white-ball revolution. One of the cleanest finishers in world cricket and an elite wicketkeeper-batsman.

As these cricketing icons hang up their boots, they leave behind legendary careers filled with unforgettable moments, world records, and deep contributions to their teams. The 2025 retirements mark the closure of a truly golden chapter in international cricket.