I declare: Major cricketers who announced retirement this year
That which starts inevitably comes to an end and the year 2020 was no exception. The year changed our lives in myriad ways, however, what did not change was the norm of entries and exits from the world of cricket. Much like every year, quite a few players decided to bid goodbye to the sport this year as well. Some shocking, some expected, some anticipated, and some surprising, there have been quite a few who will no longer be seen in action. Let us, on this note, take a look at all those who bid adieu to international cricket in 2020-
MS Dhoni:
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Arguably the most beloved son of India, MS Dhoni hung his boots after a stellar career that spanned over 16 years. His retirement sent a wave of gloom across the fraternity, although, in all honesty, it was expected indeed. He represented India in 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20Is.
Irfan Pathan:
He last played for India in October 2012, and though many might have felt that he still had a lot left in him, the Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan bid adieu to cricket in January this year. He played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 24 T20Is for India.
Cameron White:
Cameron White, who played four Tests, 91 ODIs, and 47 T20Is for Australia between 2005 and 2014, retired from professional cricket in August 2020.
Ian Bell:
England batsman Ian Bell, who played his last international game in 2015, brought down curtains to his professional cricketing career at the end of the 2020 summer. Having debuted in 2004, Bell enjoyed a decade as an England player, during which he won five Ashes series out of seven. He represented his nation in 118 Tests, 160 ODIs, and 8 T20Is.
Shane Watson:
As one amazing chapter closes another very exciting one opens.
I am so incredibly grateful.#thankyouhttps://t.co/UONVFc5WQz— T20 Stars (@stars_t20) November 3, 2020
The former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. He called it quits upon his international career in 2016 after featuring in 59 Tests, 190 ODIs, and 58 T20Is, however, after CSK’s ouster from the IPL 2020, the Aussie all-rounder quit professional cricket as well.
Umar Gul:
Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in October. Gul represented Pakistan in 47 Tests, 130 ODIs, and 60 T20Is from 2003-16, and made the decision after his side, Balochistan, was eliminated from the National T20 Cup of Pakistan.
Elton Chigumbura
After an international career spanning 16 years in which he played 14 Tests, 213 ODIs, and 55 T20Is for Zimbabwe and even leading his nation, the Zimbabwean all-rounder decided to hang his boots after the three-match series against Pakistan in November 2020.
Marlon Samuels
Having last played for his country in December 2018 against Bangladesh, Marlon Samuels, who played 71 Tests, 207 ODIs, and 67 T20s at the international level, conveyed his decision of retiring from all forms of cricket in November 2020.
Pragyan Ojha
The Indian Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha retired from international and first-class cricket this year. Ojha played 24 Tests, 18 ODIs, and 6 T20Is for India from 2008 to 2013. Incidentally, Sachin Tendulkar’s last Test became his last too.
Sudeep Tyagi
Sudeep Tyagi, who played for the Indian national cricket team in four ODIs and a lone T20I as a fast bowler, announced his retirement from all forms of the game in November.
Parthiv Patel
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) December 9, 2020
One of the youngest to have played Test cricket for India at the age of 17, Parthiv Patel announced his retirement from all forms of the game in December 2020. He represented India in 25 Tests, 38 ODIs, and 2 T20Is.
Mohammad Amir
Probably what was the most shocking retirement of the year, Pakistan fast-bowler Mohammad Amir hung his boots from international cricket only recently. Amir represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 50 T20Is, and decided after being unable to handle the issues between him and PCB management.
