Cricket’s biggest names retired this year, as some fine players concluded their journeys. Some announced retirement from specific formats while others said goodbye to all formats.
The year 2024 witnessed several Pakistani, and Indian cricketing icons who call it a day, citing different reasons. Among the list are names like Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Ravichandran Ashwin, David Warner,Imad Wasim, Muhammad Irfan and Mohammad Amir.
David Warner’s Last Test
Aussie star batter David Warner retired in January this year after playing his final Test match in Sydney. He called it a day, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
The 38-year-old ended his career after playing 161 one-day internationals, but will continue to play T20s.
James Anderson
English pacer James Anderson stepped down from all formats in July 2024. In his career, Anderson took 704 Test wickets, and he played his last game against West Indies.
Ashwin Surprises Cricket World
Ravichandran Ashwin of India announced his retirement on December 18, 2024, following India’s draw in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Virat Kohli – Rohit Sharma – Ravindra Jadeja
Indian trio Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja also stunned everyone after announcing their retirement from T20I cricket after winning 2024 T20 World Cup.
Kiwi star Neil Wagner calls it a day
New Zealand’s Neil Wagner, known for his relentless fast bowling, announced his retirement from international cricket on February 27, 2024. Wagner’s decision came after he was omitted from the squad for New Zealand’s upcoming series against Australia. Wagner leaves behind a memorable legacy, including his key role in New Zealand’s World Test Championship victory.
Tim Southee retires from Test Cricket
New Zealand pacer Tim Southee retired from Test cricket after the series against England in 2024. Southee, with 391 Test wickets, was given a guard of honour during his farewell, cementing his place as one of New Zealand’s all-time greats.
Dinesh Karthik Announces Retirement
India’s Dinesh Karthik officially announced his retirement from all formats of cricket on June 1, 2024. The wicketkeeper-batter, who had an impactful career across various formats, made the decision public on his 39th birthday, bringing an end to his distinguished journey.
Shikhar Dhawan
India’s Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from both domestic and international cricket on August 24, 2024. Dhawan’s last appearance for India was in 2022, and his retirement message to fans marked the conclusion of a successful career.
Moeen Ali bids adieu
English all-rounder Moeen Ali retired from international cricket after being excluded from the squad for the series against Australia.
He made his international debut in 2014, felt it was time for the younger generation to take over, thus bringing an end to his distinguished career.
Shakib Al Hasan Retires from T20Is
Bangladesh’s former skipper Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement from T20I cricket after the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Imad Wasim – Mohammad Irfan – Mohammad Amir
Mohammad Irfan, Imad Wasim and Amir stepped down in shocking announcement. Tallest cricketer Irfan announced his retirement from international cricket this month joining the growing list of retiring Pakistani players.
Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim also retired in December 2024, prompting discussions about the future of the team and the emerging talent ready to take the reins
