2025 marked a poignant chapter in cricket history, as several seasoned players chose to step away from the game entirely, retiring from all formats including international cricket, domestic circuits, and competitive leagues like the IPL or Big Bash.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both retired from Test format, while R Ashwin called it quits from Indian cricket.
These retirements signalled the end of eras for their respective teams, leaving behind legacies of remarkable achievements, resilience, and unforgettable moments. Here’s a look at the notable cricketers who retired completely this year.
Ravichandran Ashwin (India)
Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket at the flag end of last season. And after an underwhelming IPL 2025 outing, the veteran off spinner called it quits from IPL, thus Indian cricket as well. He was slated to play in the BBL but an injury ruled him out.
Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli called it quits on Test format in May this year, just before the England tour in the mid of IPL.Virat Kohli played 123 Tests for India, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. He captained in 68 matches, winning 40, and retired in May 2025 as one of India’s finest Test batters.
Rohit Sharma (India)
Rohit Sharma announced Test retirement in May amid controversial circumstances. He was dropped from England tour and India appointed Shubman Gill, and on the same day, the veteran ended his Test journey. Rohit Sharma played 67 Tests for India, amassing 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. Successful as an opener from 2019, he captained 24 Tests as well.
Martin Guptill (New Zealand)
Martin Guptill retired from all cricket on January 8, 2025. The opener played 198 ODIs and 122 T20Is for New Zealand, scoring over 10,000 runs across formats. He is known for his unbeaten 237 in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal against West Indies.
Varun Aaron (India)
Fast bowler Varun Aaron retired from all representative cricket on January 10, 2025. He played nine Tests and nine ODIs for India between 2011 and 2015, and continued in domestic cricket and the IPL until then. Injuries affected much of his career.
Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)
Opener Tamim Iqbal retired from all international cricket on January 10, 2025, effectively ending his professional career. He scored over 15,000 runs across formats for Bangladesh, including in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Shapoor Zadran (Afghanistan)
Left-arm pacer Shapoor Zadran retired from international cricket in January 2025. He played 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is, taking 80 wickets combined.
Wriddhiman Saha (India)
Wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha retired from all formats on February 1, 2025. He played 40 Tests for India, scoring 1,353 runs, and was noted for his keeping on turning pitches.
Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka)
Opener Dimuth Karunaratne retired from all formats in February 2025 after his 100th Test. He scored 7,222 Test runs and captained Sri Lanka in several series.
Mahmudullah (Bangladesh)
All-rounder Mahmudullah retired from all international formats in 2025 after the Champions Trophy. He had already retired from Tests in 2021 and played a key role in Bangladesh’s limited-overs teams.
Cheteshwar Pujara (India)
Batsman Cheteshwar Pujara retired from all forms of Indian cricket on August 24, 2025. He played 103 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries.
Amit Mishra (India)
Leg-spinner Amit Mishra retired from all professional cricket on September 4, 2025. He played 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is for India, and holds the record for three IPL hat-tricks.
Mohit Sharma (India)
Pacer Mohit Sharma retired from all forms of cricket, including the IPL, on December 3, 2025. He played for several IPL teams and had a notable domestic career.