T20 World Cup 2026: Shock for Indian Cricket Fans! Star Player Announces Retirement During T20 World Cup 2026

As the group stage matches of the 2026 T20 World Cup are almost over, a big news has emerged. Former captain of Indian origin from Canada, Navneet Dhaliwal, has announced his retirement from international cricket.

Although Canada was eliminated from the World Cup after the defeat against New Zealand, the team's last group match will be played against Afghanistan, and this will be Navneet's last match in his international career. After this match against Afghanistan on February 19, 37-year-old Navneet Dhaliwal will end his successful 11-year career.

Having debuted for Canada in 2015, Dhaliwal established himself as the highest run-scorer for the team in T20 internationals. In 48 T20 matches, he scored 1,305 runs, maintaining an average of over 32. Additionally, he led Canada in 29 T20 and four ODI matches, winning 21 of them.

In the 2026 World Cup, Canada faced defeat in all three matches played so far, but qualifying for the 2024 World Cup was a special moment for Dhaliwal. Speaking about retirement, he said, “I had already made this decision. I have played for more than 11 years. It was planned, but the match against Afghanistan will be my last. Scoring runs in the opening match of the World Cup and playing as captain was a moment of pride. I am considering a career in coaching, but not at the national level. My priority will be to nurture young players.” Although Dhaliwal's retirement is a big blow to the Canadian cricket team, the contribution of his leadership will always be remembered.