5 Shocking retirements in the year 2016

It is often said that “May you live in Interesting times”. The year 2016 has been one such, which can be considered as progressive, illuminating, outstanding and memorable for the gentleman’s game. Even though the fab four of modern day cricket has made the men’s version of the game fascinating, the sport has witnessed many heart-breaking episodes as well.

2016 took the on-field game to memorable highs and lows. While this year has brought a plethora of stars to our platter, it has also astonished the cricketing fraternity with some tragic and unforeseen retirements. Here’s a list of the players who bid adieu to International cricket in 2016:

1. Brendon McCullum – New Zealand

The flamboyant wicketkeeper-batsman from Dunedin made an exit from the Kiwi camp in February 2016. He led New Zealand in all three formats of the game successfully. Baz led the New Zealand team to their first ever semi-final victory after six semi-final losses in the previous ICC events.

Brendon McCullum played his final Test match at Christchurch. In the match, he scored a scintillating hundred of just fifty-four balls, which is the fastest hundred in Test cricket. He also holds the record of being the only New Zealander to have scored a triple ton.

Baz averages more than 30 in all the three formats of the game. He likes to take the attack to the opposition, irrespective of the match conditions. Bowling to McCullum was a nightmare for the bowlers. His style was always awed on. Fans would have expected him to lead the Kiwis in the World T20 2016 but he had other ideas. His retirement came as a rude shock to cricket fans across the globe.