A significant number of international cricketers have announced their retirements in 2024, marking the end of illustrious careers across various formats.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the players who have stepped away from the game this year.
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Notable Retirements In 2024
1. Moeen Ali (All Formats)
Moeen Ali, the versatile England all-rounder, officially announced his retirement from international cricket at 37. He last played for England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and was left out of the upcoming white-ball series against Australia. Moeen believed that the time was right for him after understanding that he was no longer being considered for the side’s future assignments. He finishes his career with 6678 international runs and 366 wickets, having won the 2019 Cricket World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup with the senior men’s side.
2. Barinder Sran (All Formats)
Barinder Sran retired from international and domestic cricket at 31. He played for India in eight white-ball matches. His departure marks the end of a promising career impacted by injuries.
3. Will Pucovski (All Formats)
Australian batsman Will Pucovski, aged 26, retired due to medical issues related to concussions. His decision comes after a series of setbacks, cutting short what could have been a stellar career.
4. Shannon Gabriel (All Formats)
West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel announced his retirement on August 28, 2024. He took 202 wickets across formats. Gabriel’s fiery pace and determination will be missed on the field.
5. Dawid Malan (All Formats)
Dawid Malan retired on August 28, 2024, after a successful career that included centuries in all formats. Known for his consistency, Malan’s retirement leaves a gap in England’s batting lineup.
6. Shikhar Dhawan (All Formats)
Shikhar Dhawan retired from all forms of cricket on August 24, 2024. He scored over 9,000 runs in international cricket. Dhawan’s aggressive batting style and crucial innings will be remembered fondly by fans.
7. James Anderson (All Formats)
Legendary England bowler James Anderson retired in May 2024. He concluded his career with 704 Test wickets, the most for any fast bowler. Anderson’s skill and longevity have set a high benchmark for future generations.
8. Ravindra Jadeja (T20Is)
After India won the T20 World Cup in 2024, Ravindra Jadeja announced his retirement from Twenty20 international matches. He played 74 matches in the format. Jadeja’s all-round abilities and fielding prowess made him a key player in India’s successes.
9. Rohit Sharma (T20Is)
Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20Is after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. He finishes as the leading run-scorer in the format. Sharma’s leadership and batting will be deeply missed.
10. Virat Kohli (T20Is)
Virat Kohli retired from T20Is after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. He is the second-highest run-scorer in T20I history. Kohli’s aggressive batting and leadership have been instrumental in India’s T20 success.
11. Brian Masaba (T20Is)
Uganda’s Brian Masaba retired after his team’s exit from the T20 World Cup 2022. He played 63 T20Is and served as captain. Masaba’s leadership and contributions were pivotal for Ugandan cricket.
12. Sybrand Engelbrecht (All Formats)
Netherlands batsman Sybrand Engelbrecht retired after the T20 World Cup in 2024. He played 12 ODIs and 12 T20Is since his debut in 2023. Engelbrecht’s performances have been a bright spot for Dutch cricket.
13. David Wiese (All Formats)
David Wiese, who represented both South Africa and Namibia, retired after the T20 World Cup in 2024. He played 54 T20Is and 15 ODIs. Wiese’s versatile skills and dedication have been appreciated across both teams.
14. Kedar Jadhav (All Formats)
Kedar Jadhav retired in June 2024. He represented India in 73 ODIs and 9 T20Is and was part of the 2019 World Cup squad. Jadhav’s unique batting style and contributions to India’s middle order will be remembered.
15. Dinesh Karthik (All Formats)
Veteran Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik retired from all formats after being left out of the T20 World Cup 2024 squad. He played 94 ODIs, 60 T20Is, and 26 Tests throughout his career. Karthik’s adaptability and experience were invaluable throughout his career.
16. Colin Munro (All Formats)
New Zealand opener Colin Munro retired in May 2024 after missing selection for the T20 World Cup. He played 65 T20Is and 57 ODIs. Munro’s explosive batting provided New Zealand with many memorable innings.
17. Neil Wagner (All Formats)
New Zealand’s Neil Wagner retired after 64 Tests, where he claimed 260 wickets. His retirement was influenced by a decline in his role within the team. Wagner’s relentless pace and determination have been a major asset for New Zealand.
18. Varun Aaron (All Formats)
In February 2024, fast bowler Varun Aaron declared his retirement from first-class cricket. He played 66 first-class matches, including 9 Tests for India, taking 18 wickets. Aaron’s pace and enthusiasm were highlights of his career.
19. Saurabh Tiwary (All Formats)
Saurabh Tiwary, a left-handed batsman from Jharkhand, retired in February 2024 after a 17-year career. He played three ODIs for India and had notable success in the IPL. Tiwary’s impactful performances in domestic cricket were a significant part of his career.
20. Heinrich Klaasen (Tests)
South African wicket-keeper Heinrich Klaasen retired from Test cricket on January 8, 2024, to focus on limited-overs formats. He played only four Tests, scoring 108 runs. Klaasen’s shift to limited-overs cricket reflects his adaptability and strategic career focus.
21. David Warner (All Formats)
Australian opener David Warner concluded a remarkable career by retiring from all formats. He played 112 Tests, scoring 8,786 runs, and 161 ODIs with 6,932 runs. His final appearances were in the New Year’s Test against Pakistan and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final. Warner’s aggressive batting and impactful performances will be missed.
22. Dean Elgar (All Formats)
Dean Elgar, the South African opener, was the first international cricketer to retire in 2024. He played 86 Tests and 8 ODIs, scoring 5,347 runs with an average of 37.92, including 14 centuries. His final match was against India in January 2024 at Newlands, Cape Town. Elgar’s leadership and resilience have been significant for South African cricket.
Conclusion
The retirements of these 21 cricketers in 2024 mark the end of an era for many cricketing legends. Each player has made significant contributions to their teams and the sport, leaving behind legacies that will be remembered by fans and aspiring cricketers alike.
Their departures not only highlight the evolving nature of international cricket but also celebrate the impact they’ve had on the game over the years.
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