Cricket has produced immense talent over the years, with players setting and breaking records across generations. Cricketers gain fame through after years of performances. But, when these stars retire from the sport, it leaves an emotional void.
In 2025, cricket witnessed the retirement of nearly 15 players across various formats, some stepping away from a single format, while others bidding farewell to the game entirely. Some retirements came as a complete surprise for the cricketing world. On that note, let us take a look at the five most unexpected cricket retirements of 2025.
5 cricketers who shocked the world with sudden retirement
5. Heinrich Klaasen
Heinrich Klaasen announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket on June 2, 2025. The wicketkeeper-batter made his international debut for South Africa in an ODI against India in Cape Town in 2018. The 33-year-old featured in 60 ODIs, scoring 2141 runs at an average of 43.69. He also played 58 T20Is, scoring 1000 runs for the Proteas. His appearances in Test cricket were limited, as he played four matches and scored 104 runs in the format.
Notably, Klaasen was in fine form leading up to his retirement, recently scoring a century for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2025. His decision to step away from international cricket came as a major surprise to both fans and cricketing experts.
4. Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran stunned the cricket world by announcing his retirement from international cricket at the age of 29. The explosive wicketkeeper-batter made his decision on Tuesday, June 10. Pooran, who played 61 T20Is and 106 ODIs, scored 1983 runs in T20Is and 2275 runs in ODIs, retiring as leading run-scorer for West Indies in the shortest format.
His retirement came shortly after he requested Cricket West Indies (CWI) to exclude him from the white-ball series against England, seeking rest. Pooran was last seen in action during the IPL 2025, representing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). His decision marked a significant moment for West Indies cricket, as he stepped away from the international stage to focus on other opportunities. Just one day after his retirement, he was announced as the captain of MI New York for the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025.
3. Glenn Maxwell
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket on June 2, 2025, to focus on Australia’s campaign for the T20 World Cup next year. Maxwell played 149 ODIs for Australia, delivering some of the most memorable performances in the format. One of his greatest innings came during the 2023 World Cup against Afghanistan, where he walked in with Australia struggling at 91 for 7. He battled severe cramps in heat, and produced a stunning knock, scoring 201 runs off just 128 balls to lead his team to a historic victory.
Maxwell registered four centuries and 23 half-centuries as well as 77 wickets in his ODI career. His sudden retirement surprised the cricketing world, marking the end for one of Australia’s most dynamic white-ball players. Maxwell will lead Washington Freedom in the MLC 2025.
2. Steve Smith
Australian batting legend Steve Smith retired from One Day Internationals (ODIs) following Australia’s semi-final defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His ODI journey began in 2010 as a leg-spin all-rounder, but he transformed into one of the finest batters of his generation.
The right-handed batter played over 170 ODIs, scoring 5800 runs at an average of 43.28, including 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries. His achievements include being the 12th-highest run-scorer for Australia while holding the record for the ninth-highest individual ODI score by a captain (164), and securing 90 career catches.
1. Virat Kohli
Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli officially retired from Test cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned 123 matches over 14 years. Kohli captained India in 68 Tests, led the team to 40 victories, making him India’s most successful Test captain.
One of his finest moments came during the 2018 England tour, where he emerged as the top run-scorer across both teams by scoring 583 runs at an average of 59.30, including two centuries. Between 2016 and 2018, Kohli was at his peak, scoring a whopping 3596 runs in 35 Tests at an stellar average of 66.59, with 14 centuries and eight fifties. His sudden retirement has sparked discussions, with some speculating deeper reasons behind his decision. Regardless, Kohli’s absence in the longest format will leave a void in Indian cricket.
