The year 2025 was filled with memorable moments in international cricket, with India claiming their second consecutive white-ball trophy and South Africa finally ending their ICC title drought. However, it was also a year where several talented cricketers bid farewell to at least one format of the game.
The retirement of these players can be attributed to age catching up with them and their decision to focus on what they excel at. Nevertheless, their departure has left a mark on the format they excelled in and created a void in their respective teams.
Here is a look at the playing XI of cricketers who retired in 2025:
- Virat Kohli: The prolific run-scorer announced his retirement from Test cricket in May, following his earlier decision to retire from T20Is. Despite a dip in form towards the end of his Test career, Kohli left a lasting legacy with 9230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85.
- Rohit Sharma: Following India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024, Rohit Sharma bid adieu to T20I cricket and later retired from Test cricket as well. The right-handed batter is now focusing on ODI cricket, where he has amassed 650 runs at an average of 50 in 2025.
- Kane Williamson: The New Zealand batsman retired from T20Is to allow the team to build for the future. With a focus on ODIs and Tests, Williamson aims to lead New Zealand to more accolades after a successful T20 World Cup campaign in 2021.
- Steve Smith: The Australian batter retired from ODIs after the Champions Trophy 2025, shifting his focus to Tests and T20Is. Smith’s ODI career was highlighted by two World Cup wins, while he continues to excel in Tests with an average of 50.08 in 2025.
- Heinrich Klaasen: The South African batter shocked fans with his international retirement in June, citing disagreement with Cricket South Africa. Known for his six-hitting ability, Klaasen’s absence will be felt in limited-overs cricket, where he amassed 3141 runs at a strike rate of over 100.
- Glenn Maxwell: The dynamic Australian all-rounder retired from ODIs after the Champions Trophy 2025, leaving a mark as Australia’s only double-centurion in ODIs. Maxwell’s focus now shifts to the upcoming T20 World Cup as he aims to help Australia lift the trophy.
- Nicholas Pooran: The West Indies’ six-hitter announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 29, focusing on franchise cricket. Pooran holds the record for most appearances by a West Indian in T20Is and is a sought-after player in the franchise circuit.
- Angelo Mathews: The Sri Lankan all-rounder bid farewell to Test cricket in May, with a possibility of white-ball selection in the future. With 8214 runs in 119 Tests, Mathews leaves behind a rich legacy in red-ball cricket.
- Chris Woakes: The England seamer retired from international cricket after being overlooked for the Ashes series. Woakes was a key figure in England’s Test setup, forming a potent bowling attack alongside Broad and Anderson.
- Mitchell Starc: The Australian speedster retired from T20Is to focus on Tests and ODIs, finishing 2025 as the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. Starc’s presence will be crucial for Australia in upcoming tours.
- Amit Mishra: The Indian leg-spinner called time on his professional cricket career, ending a successful IPL stint with three hat-tricks. Mishra’s legacy in the IPL will be remembered as one of the highest wicket-takers in the tournament.
These retirements have left a void in the international cricketing landscape, but the legacy of these players will be remembered for years to come. Their contributions to the game have been invaluable, and they have set high standards for the upcoming generation of cricketers.
