Steve Smith announces shocking retirement after ICC Champions Trophy 2025 defeat

In what has been a shocking development, premier Australia batter Steve Smith has announced his retirement from ODI cricket. This comes after Australia suffered a disappointing loss against India in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. 

Steve Smith took a shocking call as he wants youngsters to take over the charge now and build up for the ICC World Cup 2027. The right-hander arguably will go down as one of the best players to have played for Australia in the ODI cricket. 

Steve Smith will continue to play for Australia in the Tests and T20Is, but the void left by him on the ODI side will be difficult for the team to fill. The kind of impact that he made in the team was unmatchable, as he helped the team win the ODI World Cup in  2015 and 2023. 

He also captained Australia in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the absence of Pat Cummins. The premier batter led a second-string Australia side and took them to the semi-final of the tournament before losing to India in the clash on Tuesday. 

Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup - Steve Smith

While talking about his decision to retire, Steve Smith said that it was a great ride for him and he now wants youngsters to take the charge. Speaking about the same, he said: 

"It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it. There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight along with the many fantastic teammates who shared the journey. Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup so it feels like the right time to make way." 

Steve Smith featured in 170 games for Australia in ODIs. The batter scored 5800 runs at an average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96, including 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries. He ended his career as the 12th leading run-getter for the team in ODIs.

Also Read: Watch: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma give mouthful to Kuldeep Yadav for his fielding blunder during ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final