Nine Cricket Icons Bid Farewell At T20 World Cup 2024

The T20 World Cup 2024 was notable for several reasons. It marked the first time 20 teams competed together, and it was also the USA's debut as an ICC event host. Matches were played on drop-in pitches, and bowlers surprisingly dominated a format typically favouring batsmen.

In addition to these unique aspects, the tournament saw several cricket legends retire from T20I cricket. Following the final match alone, three Indian cricket icons announced their retirement from T20 internationals.

Virat Kohli: The former India captain retired from T20Is immediately after receiving his Player of the Match award for scoring 76 off 59 runs in the final. Kohli played 125 T20I matches, amassing 4188 runs, making him the second-highest run-scorer in T20I history.

Rohit Sharma: After leading India to a seven-run victory over South Africa in Barbados, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement during the post-match press conference. He played 159 matches and scored 4231 runs, holding the record for most runs in T20I history.

Ravindra Jadeja: The all-rounder retired a day after India's triumph, ending their 13-year wait for an ICC World Cup. Jadeja played 74 T20Is, scoring 515 runs and taking 54 wickets.

David Warner: The Australian opener had already declared his intention to retire post-tournament. Although Australia did not reach the semi-finals, Warner concluded his career with 3277 runs in 110 T20Is, ranking seventh at his retirement.

Trent Boult: New Zealand's left-arm pacer played his last T20I against PNG in the Super 8 round. Boult ended his career with 83 wickets in 61 matches and took nine wickets in four matches during the tournament, leading his team’s tally.

Mahmudullah: The veteran Bangladesh all-rounder announced his retirement following the tournament's conclusion. At age 38, he scored 95 runs in seven matches during the event and accumulated a total of 2394 runs and took 40 wickets across 138 T20Is.

David Wiese: Namibia's cricket legend retired after their loss to England in their final group stage match. Wiese played in 54 T20Is, scoring 624 runs and taking 59 wickets throughout his career.

Sybrand Engelbrecht: The Netherlands' veteran cricketer announced his retirement following their last league match against Sri Lanka. Born in South Africa, Engelbrecht played in 12 T20 Internationals, scoring 280 runs with an average of 31.11 and a strike rate of 132.7.

Brian Masaba: Uganda's Brian Masaba surprised many by announcing his retirement from T20I cricket after their campaign ended. At age 32, he featured in 61 T20Is, scoring 437 runs and taking 23 wickets.

The tournament not only showcased emerging talents but also marked the end of illustrious careers for several cricket legends. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on international cricket.