Top 30 Cricketers Who Retired (From 2020 to 2025 List)

Farewell of Giants

1. The Early Goodbyes: Dhoni, Raina & Malinga

While MS Dhoni may have announced his retirement on Independence Day 2020, it was only the end of his personal journey, it was a happy ending. For Indian fans, who grew up watching the ICC treble, his quiet memory was a symbol of hope. After the break, Suresh Raina also followed suit, the party breaking up twice from the village. At the same time, Sri Lankan king Lasith Malinga also left the stage. Fans were immersed in this, not for the eight who didn’t know it was coming, but for everyone who knows that goodbyes are always necessary. The feeling that the cricket world is calming down.

2. South Africa’s Soul: AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn & Hashim Amla

Few retirements have shaken the cricketing world like AB de Villiers. The man who could hit the ball anywhere (Mr 360) is gone, leaving fans with memories of his heroics. Dale Steyn’s deadly swings are also a thing of the past. And when the quiet, bearded warrior Hashim Amla got out, it felt like South Africa had lost its heart. With his retirement, fans were looking for the same magic in new players.

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3. Leaders Who Changed the Game: Morgan, Pollard & Faf du Plessis

Eoin Morgan’s retirement in 2022 was not just the loss of a batsman; it was the departure of a man who made England fearless. Fans remembered him as the man who led them to victory in the 2019 World Cup and rewrote England’s white-ball story. Similarly, Kieron Pollard’s departure left West Indies fans emotional as he was the leader of Caribbean cricket. Faf du Plessis also bid farewell with joy. For many, this farewell felt like the end of a chapter of leadership that inspired not just teams but entire nations.

4. The Ashes Tears: Broad & Anderson

Stuart Broad and James Anderson, the fast bowling duo, left one after the other, leaving England fans with nothing more heartbreaking than this. For almost two decades, they had carried England’s bowling on their shoulders in the Ashes war, tormenting the batsmen. Fans wept as Broad took wickets in his final spell and walked away with a smile. It was as if we were looking at the last page of a great novel. Eyes welled up as they watched him leave the field for the last time.

5. The Asian Icons: Tamim, Shakib & Quinton de Kock

Fans in Asia also faced grief. Bangladesh’s most trusted opener Tamim Iqbal quit the game in 2024. His strong start became the foundation of several Bangladeshi victories. Shakib Al Hasan’s retirement from Tests and ODIs in 2025 felt like the loss of the heart and brain of Bangladesh cricket. Across the ocean, Quinton de Kock’s departure from South Africa left his fans upset who loved his fearless batting at the top. These retirements reminded people of how much emotion is attached to cricket in these regions.

6. The Indian Heartbreak: Kohli & Rohit

Perhaps the most emotional retirement came in 2025, when Virat Kohli said goodbye to T20Is and Rohit Sharma to Tests and ODIs. Fans in India and beyond were heartbroken. Kohli was a spirit whose energy and unmatched consistency gave people a reason to believe in miracles. Rohit, the “Hitman”, with his easy sixes and calm leadership, was equally admirable. Fans packed the stadium, knowing they were watching their hero’s last retirement in a particular format. For many, their childhood and youth left with the retirement of these legends.

Conclusion

From 2020 to 2025, cricket lost some of its greatest players. Fans didn’t just see the retirements; they felt them. Each announcement brought back memories of the sixes, wickets and partnerships that defined generations. As these legends passed away, fans felt like they were saying goodbye to old friends. But amidst the sadness, there was joy, pride and gratitude for the moments these players gave. The game moves on, but their legacy will always live on in the cheers, chants and tears of fans around the world.

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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why do fans feel so emotional when cricketers retire?

Because players like Dhoni, Kohli or AB de Villiers become a part of the fans’ memories, victories and even personal lives.

Q2. Which retirements between 2020-2025 were the most emotional globally?

MS Dhoni (2020), AB de Villiers (2021), James Anderson (2024), and Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (2025) stand out as the biggest heartbreakers.

Q3. Did all these players stop playing cricket completely?

Not always. Many legends like AB de Villiers and Kieron Pollard continued to play in the French league for a while after retirement.

Q4. Which countries saw the most retirements during this period?

Between 2020-2025, most of the key players from India, South Africa and Bangladesh retired.

Q5. How do teams cope with losing legends?

Teams often struggle in the beginning, but retirement opens the door for young talent. However, the aura and experience of veteran players can never truly be replaced.