2024: A Year Marked by Retirements of Several International Cricket Stars
The year 2024 witnessed a wave of retirements in international cricket, with many prominent names bidding farewell to the game. These players left a significant mark on the sport during their illustrious careers.
Notable Retirements
- James Anderson (England):
The legendary fast bowler, who holds the record for most Test wickets (704) by a pacer, retired in May at the age of 42. Anderson played 188 Tests, 194 ODIs, and 19 T20Is. - Shikhar Dhawan (India):
The 38-year-old opener announced his retirement from all formats of international and domestic cricket in August. Known for his consistency at the top, Dhawan was a key figure in India’s batting lineup. - David Malan (England):
The former No. 1 T20I batter retired in August at 37, having been a pivotal part of England’s white-ball success. - Shannon Gabriel (West Indies):
The 36-year-old fast bowler, who played 59 Tests, 25 ODIs, and 2 T20Is, retired in August after a decade-long international career. - David Warner (Australia):
The aggressive opener retired from Test and ODI cricket in January but later announced his retirement from all international formats after the T20 World Cup in June. - Neil Wagner (New Zealand):
The left-arm fast bowler retired in February after missing the home Test series against Australia. Wagner was known for his relentless bowling and match-winning performances. - Moeen Ali (England):
The all-rounder announced his retirement from international cricket on September 8, leaving a legacy as one of England’s most impactful players. - Matthew Wade (Australia):
The wicketkeeper-batter retired in October, wrapping up a successful international career across formats. - Ravichandran Ashwin (India):
The legendary off-spinner retired on December 18 after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, ending a stellar career filled with milestones. - Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (India):
Both star players retired from T20 internationals in June after winning the T20 World Cup, marking the end of an era in Indian cricket. - Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah (Bangladesh):
Shakib retired from T20Is in September, while Mahmudullah announced his retirement from the same format in October. - Other Retirements:
- Tim Southee (New Zealand): Retired from Tests in December.
- Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir (Pakistan): Both retired in December after briefly returning from earlier retirements.
- Mohammad Irfan (Pakistan): The tall pacer also announced his retirement in December.
- Colin Munro (New Zealand): Retired from all formats in May.
- Saim Ayub (Pakistan): Retired at 26, citing personal reasons.
T20 World Cup Retirements
The T20 World Cup saw several players bid adieu, including David Wiese (Namibia), Sebastiaan Braat (Netherlands), and Uganda’s Brian Masaba.
Conclusion
These retirements mark the end of illustrious careers for many players who contributed significantly to cricket’s global appeal. As these stars step away from the game, they leave behind legacies that will inspire future generations of cricketers.
