As 2025 draws to a close, the cricketing world reflects on a year marked by farewells, milestones, and headline-grabbing controversies. From iconic retirements to heated disputes both on and off the field, the season has kept fans, analysts, and administrators on edge. Here’s a comprehensive look back at the players who bowed out and the incidents that defined the sport this year.

Farewell to International Legends

This year witnessed some of the game’s most influential players hanging up their boots across formats.

Martin Guptill formally retired from international cricket on January 8, leaving behind a legacy as New Zealand’s fifth-highest all-time scorer and the only Kiwi to register an ODI double-century, a remarkable 237 not out against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinals.

Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s former captain and only the seventh player from his country to feature in over 100 Tests, retired after the Galle Test against Australia, leaving behind 7,222 Test runs and 1,316 in ODIs.

Wriddhiman Saha, whose Test career blossomed after MS Dhoni’s retirement, bid farewell to the longest format with 1,353 runs from 40 matches, remembered more for his exceptional wicketkeeping than his batting.

Varun Aaron, once hailed as one of India’s fastest bowlers, struggled with injuries that restricted him to just nine ODIs and as many Tests between 2011 and 2015, ultimately prompting his retirement.

Bangladesh saw two major exits: Tamim Iqbal, who had briefly returned from retirement at the behest of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, retired for the second time on January 10, finishing as his country’s second-highest run-scorer across formats (15,192 runs). Mahmudullah, who had already stepped away from Tests in 2021, retired from all formats after a challenging Champions Trophy campaign, holding the record for the most centuries (3) by a Bangladeshi batter in ODI World Cups.

Heinrich Klaasen and Nicholas Pooran called it quits from international cricket to focus on franchise commitments and personal priorities, while India’s stalwarts Cheteshwar Pujara, Amit Mishra, and Pakistan’s Asif Ali also bowed out, closing remarkable chapters in their careers.

In the ODI arena, Australia’s Marcus Stoinis and Steve Smith, along with Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim and Australia’s Glenn Maxwell, announced their exits, leaving fans nostalgic for their match-winning contributions.

Test cricket also saw the departure of giants: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Angelo Mathews retired, with Rohit stepping away amid a slump in form and Kohli leaving as India’s most successful Test captain. Mathews concluded a 16-year international career as Sri Lanka’s third-highest run-scorer.

In T20Is, Mitchell Starc officially retired on September 2, prioritising Test cricket while remaining available for ODIs, underscoring the growing trend of players focusing on formats that best suit their longevity.

Major controversies that rocked Cricket in 2025

While farewells dominated headlines, controversies provided the drama that kept fans and the media captivated.

Kohli, Rohit and Gambhir: Friction in Indian cricket amid ODI success

Despite India’s dominance in white-ball cricket, tensions within the team continue to make headlines. Head coach Gautam Gambhir’s relationship with senior stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has reportedly soured since his appointment in July 2024, while chief selector Ajit Agarkar has also been allegedly at odds with the duo. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has insisted that both Kohli and Rohit play domestic cricket to maintain form and fitness, a mandate that has further complicated internal dynamics.

 

The strain between Gambhir and Kohli was long noted, with both clashing during IPL games. In September 2024, the pair had notably attempted a reconciliation through a candid discussion, emphasising the future of Indian cricket. However, the series of defeats that followed under Gambhir’s tenure—most notably a 0-3 home whitewash by New Zealand and a 1-3 series loss in Australia—intensified scrutiny on the coach and the veteran players. Kohli and Rohit struggled with form during these Tests, with Rohit even dropping himself for the final match in Australia.

In response to these setbacks, the BCCI implemented a ten-point directive requiring senior players to participate in domestic cricket. Both Kohli and Rohit played Ranji Trophy matches for Delhi and Mumbai respectively, but neither made a significant impact. Amid ongoing debate over their futures, Rohit led India to an unbeaten Champions Trophy 2025 victory, while Kohli contributed a century against Pakistan, showcasing their continuing value in white-ball cricket. Surprisingly, shortly thereafter, both announced their retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, just weeks before a crucial five-Test series against England.

Even after stepping away from the longest format, uncertainty remains about their participation in the 2027 World Cup, with Agarkar reportedly refusing to guarantee their selection. Rohit was also ‘stripped’ of ODI captaincy, replaced by Shubman Gill, intensifying speculation about the duo’s standing in the team.

Yet on the field, their performances remain stellar. In the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa, Kohli was in scintillating form, scoring two centuries and a fifty, while Rohit also made a pair of impressive fifties. Despite the reported rift with Gambhir and Agarkar, the pair’s contributions have been crucial in maintaining India’s dominance in white-ball cricket.

Off the field, social media backlash and growing concerns within the BCCI over team harmony have added pressure on Gambhir, whose tenure has been marked by two home Test series whitewashes. As India gears up for future tours, the management’s handling of Kohli, Rohit, and Gambhir’s relationship will likely prove pivotal to the team’s fortunes ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

The other talking points

RCB Victory Parade Stampede

Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrated their maiden IPL title, but the parade outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium was marred by overcrowding. Eleven fans lost their lives, and over 50 were injured in the resulting stampede. Poor crowd management drew criticism of RCB and the event organisers. Compensation packages were later increased, but the incident left a lasting impact on stadium safety protocols.

Asia Cup 2025 Handshake Snub

India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan during the Asia Cup, following the Pahalgam terror attack, drew international attention. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to the victims, standing in solidarity with the Indian Army—an act that did not go well with the Pakistan Cricket Board. The controversies that ensued highlighted the intersection of sport and national sentiment in high-profile tournaments.

Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan’s On-Field Gestures

During a Super 4 clash, Pakistan’s Farhan and Rauf provoked controversy with on-field celebrations mimicking military gestures. The BCCI lodged complaints with the ICC, resulting in fines and a two-match ban for Rauf. The incident underscored how on-field conduct continues to attract global scrutiny.

 Asia Cup Trophy Row

The Indian men’s cricket team created a stir after declining to receive their winners’ medals and trophy from ACC chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, following their victory in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 29.

The incident attracted widespread attention, highlighting the intersection of sport and political sensitivities in high-profile cricket tournaments. The refusal drew reactions from cricket authorities and fans, giving way to several debates.

Manchester Test Handshake Controversy

The Manchester Test between India and England ended in a draw but featured heated moments. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar’s unbeaten 203-run stand frustrated England, especially captain Ben Stokes, who urged India to call off the match since only a draw was possible. Jadeja and Sundar refused as they were nearing centuries, leading to a tense exchange involving Stokes, Jadeja, Harry Brook, and Zak Crawley. England then bowled part-timers as the final overs turned into a “farce.” After both Indians reached their centuries, the match was called off. Drama unfolded when post-match footage showed Stokes initially refusing to shake Jadeja’s hand, and later doing so reluctantly.

South Africa Coach’s ‘Grovel’ Comment

After the fourth day of the second Test at Guwahati, when the Proteas were firmly on top of the match, South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad sparked controversy with the use of the word “grovel,” which carried a racial overtone and stirred the hornet's nest.

Later on, Conrad admitted that the term took the sheen away from his team’s landmark Test victory over India, but maintained that he intended no “malice” with it.

Additional Controversies

Other notable incidents included the KKR vs Eden Gardens pitch dispute over IPL surface conditions, the SRH vs Hyderabad Cricket Association standoff regarding complimentary tickets, and the Women’s Big Bash League rain-affected match between Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunder, which drew widespread outrage after Sydney’s innings was prematurely called off. Controversy also arose during the Barbados Test between West Indies and Australia, where TV umpire Adrian Holdstock became the centre of attention. West Indies captain Roston Chase criticised inconsistent DRS calls that affected his team, reigniting calls for stricter ICC oversight and greater accountability for third umpires.

Looking ahead

As 2025 comes to a close, the year in cricket will be remembered for its contrasting narratives—historic farewells, extraordinary individual performances, and off-field controversies that kept fans and administrators alike on edge. The retirements of legends such as Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Martin Guptill, and Dimuth Karunaratne marked the end of eras, while emerging stars and franchise cricket continued to shape the modern game. Meanwhile, disputes over player conduct, political sensitivities, and governance issues highlighted the pressures and complexities of cricket at the international and domestic levels.

From record-breaking partnerships and championship victories to heated exchanges and administrative challenges, 2025 showcased cricket’s enduring ability to inspire, provoke, and captivate. As the sport moves into 2026, the lessons of this year—both on and off the field—will serve as a reminder that cricket is more than just a game: it is a reflection of talent, passion, and the challenges inherent in balancing tradition with modern expectations. Fans, players, and officials alike will look forward with anticipation, eager to see how the next chapter unfolds.

(With inputs from Agencies)