In sports, retiring a player’s jersey number is among the highest honors a team can bestow—symbolizing respect, legacy, and everlasting remembrance of a player’s contribution. Cricket, with its rich history and passionate fans, has embraced this tradition selectively, honoring some of its greatest legends by retiring their jersey numbers so that no future player from the country dons that number. This practice immortalizes cricketing icons and underscores their monumental impact on the sport.
In this article, we explore the top 10 retired jersey numbers in cricket history, the stories behind them, and the significance they hold within the cricketing community.
1. MS Dhoni – Jersey Number 7 (India)
One of the most iconic jersey retirements in cricket history came from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) retiring the legendary MS Dhoni’s jersey number 7. Dhoni’s calm captaincy, exceptional wicket-keeping, and explosive finishing helped India win three major ICC trophies—the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy.
His jersey number 7 became synonymous with leadership and success. In 2023, BCCI retired the No. 7 jersey as a mark of respect to his legacy, ensuring no other Indian cricketer will wear it.
2. Sachin Tendulkar – Jersey Number 10 (India)
The Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s number 10 jersey holds a sentimental place in Indian cricket. One of the greatest batsmen in history, Tendulkar wore number 10 from the late 1990s until his retirement in 2013.
In tribute to his immense contributions, BCCI retired the number 10 jersey in 2017, locking it as a symbol of cricketing excellence and the legacy of India’s most celebrated cricketer.
3. Daniel Vettori – Jersey Number 3 (New Zealand)
The legendary New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori is revered as one of the country’s greatest cricketers. The New Zealand Cricket Board retired his jersey number 3 jersey to honor his long-standing service, leadership, and impact on New Zealand cricket.
4. Brendon McCullum – Jersey Number 87 (New Zealand)
Brendon McCullum, the dynamic former New Zealand captain who revolutionized his team’s approach with aggressive batting and spirited leadership, has also had his jersey number 87 retired by New Zealand Cricket.
His retirement honors his significant contribution to elevating New Zealand cricket at the international stage.
5. Paras Khadka – Jersey Number 77 (Nepal)
As a cricketing pioneer and captain who put Nepal on the cricket map, Paras Khadka’s influence is unparalleled. Nepal Cricket Association retired his iconic number 77 jersey to immortalize his contributions to the sport’s growth in Nepal.
His jersey retirement is symbolic of cricket’s expanding footprint globally beyond traditional powerhouses.
6. Phillip Hughes – Jersey Number 64 (Australia)
Phillip Hughes’ tragic passing after being struck by a bouncer deeply affected the cricket fraternity. Cricket Australia retired Hughes’ jersey number 64 as a sign of respect and mourning.
His number now serves as a poignant reminder of his passion and burgeoning talent lost too soon.
7. Chris Cairns – Jersey Number 6 (New Zealand)
Chris Cairns, a legendary all-rounder for New Zealand, had a number of match-winning innings with both bat and ball. The New Zealand Cricket Board retired his jersey number 6 in honor of his legacy as a game-changer.
8. Imran Khan – Jersey Number 12 (Pakistan)
Imran Khan, who led Pakistan to their only World Cup win in 1992, wore the number 12 jersey during his illustrious career. Pakistan Cricket Board retired his number in reverence to his exemplary leadership and contributions to Pakistan cricket.
9. Jacques Kallis – Jersey Number 10 (South Africa)
South African great Jacques Kallis donned the number 10 jersey throughout his career. Cricket South Africa retired the number 10 as a tribute to Kallis’ status as one of the finest all-rounders in cricket history.
10. Shivnarine Chanderpaul – Jersey Number 78 (West Indies)
The West Indies Cricket Board paid homage to Shivnarine Chanderpaul by retiring his jersey number 78, recognizing his longstanding commitment and consistent contributions to West Indies cricket.
Why Are Jersey Numbers Retired in Cricket?
Jersey number retirements keep the legacy of cricketing legends alive. They serve as permanent markers of gratitude and respect, ensuring their accomplishments are never forgotten by fans and future generations.
Unlike in some sports, cricket boards retire numbers sparingly and with profound sentimental value. The numbers stand as historic badges that narrate the journey of the sport and its heroes.
The Cultural Impact
The retired jersey numbers become a rallying point for fans. They symbolize eras of greatness and inspire young cricketers to aspire toward those standards of excellence. These numbers also lend themselves to storytelling, documentaries, and commemorative merchandise.
Read More: Top 10 Iconic Cricket Jersey Numbers in 2025
Conclusion
Retiring jersey numbers is one of cricket’s most revered traditions, reserved exclusively for players whose impact transcended statistics to shape the sport’s culture and history. From Dhoni’s iconic 7 and Tendulkar’s legendary 10 to Nepal’s tribute to Paras Khadka’s 77, these numbers remind us that in cricket, digits are much more than identifiers—they are legacies.
