15 Most Emotional Farewell Matches Ever in Cricket History
Farewell That Made Millions Cry
Over the past two decades, cricket has witnessed the retirement of several of its greatest players, including legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Muttiah Muralidharan, and Jacques Kallis. The departure of these iconic figures has ushered in a period of transition, leading to the emergence of a new generation of players.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's last T20I in 2024
Indian cricketing stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirement from the shortest format of the game, following India's 2024 T20 World Cup final triumph over South Africa in the Caribbean. Kohli was named POTM in the final for his 76 runs, after a tournament of low scores, while Sharma guided the team to victory as skipper.
Brian Lara's last match in 2007
Former West Indies skipper Brian Lara played his last match for the country at the 2007 ICC World Cup at home, in the Super Eights against England. In a somewhat anti-climactic ending, Lara was run out for just 18 runs as his side went on to lose the match, but he did receive a thunderous standing ovation from the home crowd.
Kumar Sangakkara's last match in 2015
Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara's final Test match against India in Colombo in 2015, which ended in a loss for the Lions. Though he only managed scores of 32 and 18, the match became a public celebration of the wicket-keeper batter's legacy, highlighted by a moving gesture from the Indian team, which formed a guard of honor for him.
Imran Khan's last match in 1992
Bringing an end to a glorious cricketing career, Pakistani legend Imran Khan's final match was the 1992 Cricket World Cup final against England in Melbourne, which the Men in Green won by 22 runs. Having initially retired before being recalled, the sight of the 40-year-old captain leading his team to their first-ever WC triumph was moving.
Brendon McCullum's record in his last match in 2018
Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum's farewell Test match wasagainst Australia in Christchurch in 2016, where he delivered an unforgettable performance by scoring the fastest-ever Test century in history off just 54 balls. The crowd gave him an ovation as he walked off, praising his commitment towards the 'Baz-ball' philosophy.
Andrew Flintoff's last match in 2009
Bringing an end to his injury-prone career, English all-rounder Andrew Flintoff's final international match was the 2009 Ashes Test at The Oval, which England won. Despite chronic knee issues, Flintoff showcased his legendary all-round ability, taking a crucial five-wicket haul to ensure victory and end his Test tenure on a high note.
Alastair Cook's last match in 2018
Finishing as England highest run-getter in the longest format of the game at the time, Alastair Cook played his final Test match against India at the Oval in 2018, providing one of cricket's most heartwarming farewells. The retiring legend scored a century (147) in his final Test innings, while he received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Jacques Kallis's last Test in 2013
One of the greatest all-rounders of all time, Jacques Kallis played his final Test match against India in Durban in 2013, scoring a crucial century to help South Africa secure a dominant 10-wicket victory and a series triumph. He was carried by his teammates on their shoulders, as he completed his 18-year career with a perfect winning climax.
MS Dhoni's last match in 2019
While it was not a farewell match as he only announced his retirement a year later, Indian legend MS Dhoni's final international appearance was the 2019 ICC World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, which ended in a heartbreaking 18-run loss for India. The image of the Dhoni being run out by a direct hit from Martin Guptill remains iconic.
Sourav Ganguly's last match in 2008
One of the greatest Indian captains of all time, Sourav Ganguly's final Test match was against Australia in Nagpur in 2008, where the Men in Blue won the series to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The most touching moment came when then-captain MS Dhoni asked Ganguly to lead the side for the final few overs of the match.
Ricky Ponting's last match in 2012
Another great captain, Australian Ricky Ponting's final Test match was against South Africa in Perth in 2012, which sadly ended in a disastrous 309-run loss for his side. Having announced his retirement just before the match, he fell cheaply in both innings, managing scores of 4 and 8, but received a prolonged standing ovation from the crowd.
Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Justin Langer's last match in 2007
Creating history, three Australian cricketing legends, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer, and Shane Warne, as well as coach John Buchanan, retired after the victorious fifth 2007 Ashes Test against England in Sydney. All three icons retired following a dominant 5-0 Ashes win, with McGrath claiming a wicket off his last international delivery.
Muttiah Muralidharan's last Test in 2010
A year prior to announcing his retirement from cricket, Sri Lankan spin-bowling legend Muttiah Muralidharan played his final Test match against India in Galle in 2010, a contest Sri Lanka won by ten wickets. Murali also achieved the record of 800 Test wickets, which he dramatically secured with his final ball in Tests, dismissing Pragyan Ojha.
Don Bradman's last match in 1948
The greatest Test batter of all time, Don Bradman's final Test innings, against England at The Oval in 1948, remains the most famous in history. Needing just four runs to finish his career with a Test average of exactly 100, the legendary batsman was tragically bowled for a duck by Eric Hollies, as the crowd gave him a standing ovation.
Sachin Tendulkar's last match in 2013
An unparalleled national event, Sachin Tendulkar's final Test match against the West Indies in Mumbai in 2013 was filled with deep emotion and reverence. After a fluent innings of 74 runs, followed by an utterly tearful and legendary farewell speech after the match, Sachin Tendulkar brought an end to his 24-year, record-breaking career.
