KEY POINTS
- Nicholas Pooran’s retirement at 29 stunned the cricketing world
- Heinrich Klaasen’s shock exit before the 2026 T20 World Cup came despite stellar form
- Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell retired unexpectedly from ODIs
- Virat Kohli’s Test retirement in 2025, just before a major England tour
- Early exits by Quinton de Kock, Sarah Taylor, Meg Lanning, Trent Boult, and AB de Villiers reflect a broader shift
ISLAMABAD: Cricket, a game often defined by endurance and legacy, was dealt another unexpected blow as Nicholas Pooran, aged just 29, announced his sudden retirement from international cricket.
Considered to be at the peak of his powers, the West Indies batter’s decision has taken the cricketing world by surprise.
While he will continue to shine in global T20 leagues, his early exit from international duty marks yet another premature departure in a growing list of modern-day stars leaving the highest level far too soon.
Nicholas Pooran: Exit from the Maroon at 29
Pooran’s decision may reflect the changing landscape of modern cricket, where franchise freedom trumps national duty, but it still came as a jolt.
The left-hander was expected to be a core figure in the West Indies’ white-ball rebuild.
While his elegant stroke play will remain on display in leagues worldwide, the absence of his flair in the Caribbean jersey marks a heavy loss.
Heinrich Klaasen: Thunderbolt from South Africa
South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen also shocked the cricketing fraternity when he retired ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Amid disputes over hybrid contracts, the 33-year-old chose the global T20 circuit over national duty, despite being in red-hot form.
Klaasen, who had been pivotal in South Africa’s resurgence in limited-overs cricket, walked away with over 3,000 white-ball runs and a reputation as one of the game’s fiercest finishers.
Marcus Stoinis: Australia’s Powerhouse Steps Aside
Just months after being named in Australia’s preliminary Champions Trophy squad, Marcus Stoinis retired from ODIs.
Though aged 35, the all-rounder was still considered an asset, especially after his contributions in Australia’s 2023 World Cup win.
His abrupt exit hinted at shifting personal priorities and the lure of franchise freedom.
Glenn Maxwell: The Maverick’s Measured Goodbye
Glenn Maxwell’s ODI retirement in June 2025 was another emotional moment. Though 36, he remained a force, as evidenced by his jaw-dropping 201* against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup.
Aware of his physical limits post-injury, Maxwell chose to walk away with dignity, prioritizing Australia’s future and his longevity in T20Is.
Virat Kohli: A Goodbye No One Saw Coming
While Kohli’s T20I retirement in 2024 felt expected, his sudden exit from Test cricket in May 2025 was seismic.
The modern-day torchbearer of Test cricket bowed out just before a key England series, ending with 9,230 runs and a legacy as one of the fiercest competitors the format has seen. His decision was described by fans as the “end of an era.”
Quinton de Kock: A Silent Exit
De Kock quietly stepped away from Tests in 2021 at 29, citing family priorities. Later, he retired from ODIs post the 2023 World Cup.
Despite controversies and challenges—including bubble fatigue and political tensions—his talent never wavered. De Kock now lights up T20 leagues across the world.
Sarah Taylor & Meg Lanning: Stars Who Left With Grace
England’s Sarah Taylor retired in 2019 at 30 due to anxiety struggles. A brilliant wicketkeeper and world champion, Taylor left behind a pioneering legacy and later transitioned into coaching.
Australia’s Meg Lanning, the most successful women’s captain in history, stepped down in 2023 at 31, citing personal well-being. Her calm authority and unmatched winning record defined a generation of dominance.
Trent Boult: A Gentle Fade
Boult’s retirement came not in a press conference, but gradually—first stepping away from New Zealand’s central contract in 2022, then retiring completely after the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Though still potent in T20 leagues, his swing bowling will be missed in the Test and ODI arenas.
AB de Villiers: The Original Shock
Perhaps the first to truly redefine what a modern-day “premature” retirement looked like, AB de Villiers shocked fans in 2018 by walking away at 34, claiming he was “tired.”
A genius with the bat and a crowd favourite, his absence was felt deeply during South Africa’s 2019 World Cup campaign.
As the nature of international cricket shifts—pressured by bio-bubbles, packed calendars, and booming T20 leagues—early retirements are becoming more common.
But while the game goes on, the sudden farewells of its brightest stars leave memories that linger longer than any match result.
