Cricket Retirement Age: When Do Cricketers Usually Retire?

So, Cricket is the game, an idea, a belief and much more. Millions have it as a lifelong passion. Such is life: even the greatest journeys must end at some point, and so does every cricketer’s career.

Everyone retired Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and AB de Villiers, and we felt sad when our legends retired. What is the normal cricket retirement age, you wonder? When do cricketers usually retire? Let’s dive into it.

Not One Age Fits All

Of course, unlike office jobs, there is no retirement age with cricket, and it doesn’t have an expiry date on it. All the cricketers are different.

Others leave the game in their early 30s. Others push on till their 40s. That is all fitness, form, mental strength and politics in relation to picking teams.

So average cricket retirement age?

For most of the international players, retirement happens at around the age of 35 to 38. Once more, there are always exceptions. This is the reason why they are asked to retire. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to it.

A Quick Look at Legends and Their Retirement Ages

Now, let us look at a few famous names and the age at which they retired.

• Sachin Tendulkar – Retired at 40
• MS Dhoni – Retired from international cricket at 39
• Shock fans as he retires at 34 AB de Villiers
• Ricky Ponting – Retired at 38
• Jacques Kallis – Retired at 38
• Brendon McCullum – Retired at 34
• Rahul Dravid – Retired at 39

You see the pattern? Seeking out the existing sweet point for crap retirement age, I think it’s probably somewhere around the mid to late 30s.

Why Do Cricketers Retire in Their 30s?

Good question. Let’s break it down.

1. Physical Fitness Takes a Hit

Cricket is physically demanding. It’s just from standing out in the sun for hours, it’s diving to save runs, 20 overs in the day, it takes its toll.

Recovery slows by the time a player is in his mid-30s. Injuries become more frequent. Reflexes? Not quite as sharp. The meltdown, unfortunately, is a grind.

2. Competition from Young Guns

The spot is always available for a 21-year-old.

Younger players who can be long-term investments are often preferred by teams. That pushes older players to either be a superhero of a player or move aside.

3. Mental Fatigue

For a professional cricketer, life is tough. It is physically and mentally draining.

With the pressure to perform, the travel and the ever-present media and fans watching always, it all builds up. When a player feels mentally burnt out, most people choose to retire.

4. Family and Personal Life

Retiring to spend more time with the family or other interests is common for many players. Some of them would select coaching, commentary, or business of their own.

After years in hotel rooms, planes and practice sessions, a little rest does not sound too bad, and hey!

Formats Also Matter

A player could play T20 leagues even while they retire from Tests. He can either keep playing ODIS or leave ODIS but stay in domestic cricket.

For example:

After departing from international cricket, Chris Gayle continued playing franchise T20S.

The man who announced his international retirement, MS Dhoni, still leads the Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the IPL.

Therefore, cricketers’ retirement age differs according to the format itself.

Stamina and discipline are required in test cricket. T20 cricket, while shorter, demands agility and quick reactions. The shorter formats tend to be the ones retained for longer by players.

Also read: Who is the Godfather of Cricket?

Retirement Isn’t Always Voluntary

Not always a player’s choice.

Selectors drop them. Or they’re not picked consistently. Injuries pile up. Form dips. The decision is sometimes forced.

And, of course, it’s within the fan’s nature to want their hero to play forever, but reality isn’t always kind.

What About Women Cricketers?

Great question! On average, the retirement age for women cricketers is a bit lower, around 33 to 36.

Why? The life challenges are the same and so are the physical demands. However, those waters appear to be changing quickly as women’s cricket is gaining more visibility and support.

Breaking the old norms are players like Mithali Raj (retired at 39).

As men, women cricketers are enjoying longer careers. The reason for this is better fitness regimens as well as more opportunities in leagues.

Then There’s the Comeback Story…

Retired doesn’t always mean retired.

This especially happens with franchise leagues, with some players coming back from retirement.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi retired about 7 times (well, not quite 7, but it seemed like it).

It was a comeback for Imran Khan, who led Pakistan to win the 1992 World Cup.

As you can see, there’s no point in saying never in cricket.

How Does Retirement Affect the Fans?

It’s emotional, honestly.

Cricket fans are brought up knowing nothing but watching their heroes. Their favourite player’s retirement is personal. It is like saying goodbye to a childhood friend.

But new stars rise. The game goes on. Fans change, throw their support behind the next star.

Still, that final walk back to the pavilion? It hits hard.

What Happens After Retirement?

Cricketers rarely just disappear.

Many become coaches, mentors, commentators, or cricket pundits. Some take up business or politics. A few of them start fitness brands or YouTube channels.

Retirement from life does not equal retirement from the field. But the jersey will not go, the passion stays.

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Retiring from cricket is usually something that cricketers do when they get to the twilight of their careers.

Conclusion

Most players bow out between 35 and 38. Some stay for a shorter time, some for a longer one. There is an element of fitness, form, injuries and personal choice. Whatever time they left, they will not be forgotten. We fans have to respect their decision. We can celebrate their journey, cheer for the next generation. Ready to Step Into the Game?  We wish to play cricket rather than just watch it. Sign up on Exchmarket today to get a spin of your cricket knowledge. Predict, participate in live games and win. Your cricket journey starts here!