As the cricket world turns its collective gaze towards ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 In India and Sri Lanka, the landscape of the shortest format looks significantly different. The year 2025 certainly served as the “end of an era”, with many modern great players deciding to call off their retirement in the T20 International format to make way for the next generation.
While the loss of these legends has left a void in their respective national sides, their departure has cleared the stage for a new, fearless breed of cricketers ready to achieve global glory.
Iconic stars who retired before T20 World Cup 2026
1) Mitchell Starc: End of an express era
Perhaps the biggest blow to Australia’s bowling attack was Mitchell StarcDecision to retire from T20Is in September 2025. The left-arm fast bowler, known for his toe-crushing yorkers and early successes, decided to give priority to Test cricket and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Starc has left behind a legacy of being one of the most dangerous white-ball bowlers in history. His absence at the 2026 World Cup means Australia will go into the tournament without their primary “X-factor” with the new ball for the first time in over a decade.
2) Nicholas Pooran: A blow for the West Indies star
In one of the most surprising announcements of the year, nicholas puran Retired from all international cricket in June 2025. At just 29, the West Indies record holder for T20I runs and performances has decided to focus on the global franchise circuit.
For the Caribbean team, losing a middle-order powerhouse of Pooran’s caliber just months before a major tournament is a major setback. He was the bridge between the “old guard” of Gayle and Pollard and the rising stars; Now, the Windies will have to find a new anchor for their explosive batting lineup.
Also read: Rohit Sharma predicts the finalists of T20 World Cup 2026
3) Heinrich Klaasen: South Africa’s finisher is out
South Africa’s middle-order superstars heinrich classen He also said goodbye to his international career in June 2025. Over the past few seasons, Klaasen had become arguably the most destructive batsman against spin in the world.
His retirement marks a significant change for the Proteas, who relied heavily on his ability to accelerate in the death overs. As South Africa prepares for the 2026 event, the pressure has now fallen on young talents like Tristan Stubbs to fill the “finisher” void left by Klaasen.
T20I performance summary
| player | Matchbox | runs/wickets | BBI/Best Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | 65 | 79 wickets | 4/20 |
| nicholas puran | 106 | 2275 runs | 98 |
| heinrich classen | 58 | 1000 runs | 81 |
Also read: Jacques Kallis explains why South Africa have a real chance of winning the T20 World Cup 2026
