Cricket Australia is reportedly planning a grand farewell for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during India's ODI series in October 2025. This move comes after both players retired from T20Is last year and Tests just last month. The only format they are yet to retire from is One Day Internationals (ODI). While the BCCI has faced criticism for not providing adequate farewells to retiring legends in the past, Cricket Australia is stepping up to honor the immense contributions of these two iconic cricketers.
According to reports, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg stated that this might be the last time that they get to see Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma play in Australia. He said that if that is the case, they want to ensure that they give them a great send-off and a reflection of the incredible contribution they've made to international cricket.
Kohli and Sharma are expected to play a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in August before touring Australia in October for another three-match ODI series. It has been largely speculated that the two senior batters will end their international career after the 2027 ODI World Cup. By the time of the 2027 World Cup, Rohit will be aged 40 while Kohli will be 38, which will make both of them a challenging task to stay fit and be in good form.
The decision by Cricket Australia to plan a farewell ceremony underscores the high regard in which Kohli and Sharma are held in the international cricket community. Their rivalry with Australia over the years has been intense, yet respectful, making this gesture all the more significant. It also highlights a difference in approach between Cricket Australia and the BCCI when it comes to honoring retiring players.
The BCCI has often been criticized for its lack of a formal, transparent policy for handling player farewells. While Sachin Tendulkar received a farewell match in 2013, many other legends, including MS Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, and VVS Laxman, did not have the opportunity for appropriate farewell matches. This has led to comparisons with other cricket boards, such as Cricket Australia and the England Cricket Board, which are perceived to be more proactive in organizing farewells.
Cricket Australia's initiative could potentially put pressure on the BCCI to re-evaluate its approach to player farewells. A more structured and respectful send-off policy would not only honor the contributions of retiring players but also enhance the reputation of the BCCI as an organization that values its cricketers.
In addition to the farewell plans, Cricket Australia is also keen to leverage the India series to further discussions with the BCCI about allowing Indian players to participate in the Big Bash League (BBL). Currently, the BCCI has a strict policy against contracted players featuring in overseas leagues unless they sever all ties with the board. While Greenberg acknowledged that Kohli playing in the BBL this year is unlikely, he expressed ambitions to explore such possibilities in the future, believing it would generate significant interest and revenue.
As the October 2025 ODI series approaches, fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating the farewell celebrations for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It will be an emotional moment, marking the end of an era for two of the greatest batsmen of the modern game.
