October 2025 has been an action-packed month for international cricket — full of major developments, emotional retirements, new leadership announcements, and both on-field brilliance and off-field controversies.
Here’s everything that made headlines this month across men’s and women’s cricket, explained in detail and in simple, authentic language.
🇳🇿 1. Sophie Devine Retires from ODI Cricket – End of an Era for New Zealand
One of the biggest stories in women’s cricket came from New Zealand this month as Sophie Devine, the long-serving captain and one of the sport’s most dynamic all-rounders, officially retired from One Day Internationals.
Devine’s decision came after nearly two decades of international cricket, during which she played 159 ODIs, scoring over 4,000 runs and taking more than 100 wickets. That rare combination makes her one of the most complete players in modern cricket history.
Her final match took place during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, where New Zealand lost to England. Even in her last outing, Devine displayed her trademark fighting spirit — picking up a wicket and scoring valuable runs.
Devine’s retirement marks the end of a golden chapter for New Zealand cricket. She was not only a captain and match-winner but also an inspiration for young girls around the world who aspire to take up the game.
She has clarified that while she’s stepping away from ODIs, she will continue to play T20 Internationals, at least for the near future. The New Zealand Cricket Board has said it will plan a special farewell match later this year to celebrate her remarkable contribution to the sport.
Nz.2 Virat Kohli Returns to India After Four-Month Break Ahead of the Australia ODI Series
October 2025 brought joyful news for Indian cricket fans as Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world, made his highly anticipated return to India after spending nearly four months away from competitive cricket. His arrival in New Delhi created massive excitement among fans and media, with social media platforms lighting up with the phrase — “The King is Back.”
🛬 The Grand Return
Kohli landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, to a huge crowd of supporters waiting to welcome him. Fans waved Indian flags, chanted his name, and held banners celebrating his comeback. Videos of Kohli smiling, waving, and greeting supporters quickly went viral across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Dressed casually and looking relaxed, Kohli appeared in good spirits. His calm demeanor was a reflection of the rest and recovery period he took following a demanding few years of continuous international and IPL cricket.
🇦🇺 3. Pat Cummins Suffers Injury – Ashes Participation in Doubt
Australia’s captain Pat Cummins made headlines after suffering a lower back injury that could rule him out of the opening Test of the upcoming Ashes series against England (scheduled for December 2025).
The injury, reportedly a recurring issue, has limited his ability to bowl long spells. Team doctors have confirmed that Cummins will miss at least the first Test, and his availability for the rest of the series remains uncertain.
This development has caused major concern in Australian cricket circles because Cummins is not only their captain but also the leader of their pace attack. Without him, the team would rely heavily on bowlers like Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and the young quick Lance Morris.
Interestingly, reports also emerged that Cummins rejected a $10 million franchise cricket offer that would have required him to quit international cricket. His decision to stay loyal to Australia, despite financial temptation, earned him praise from fans and former players alike.
If Cummins misses a significant portion of the Ashes, Steve Smith is expected to take over the captaincy temporarily — setting the stage for yet another leadership reshuffle within the Australian side.
🇮🇳 4. Virat Kohli Returns to India Ahead of Australia Series
After a four-month break from competitive cricket, Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli returned to India in October, receiving a hero’s welcome from fans and media.
Kohli had been away from the public eye for personal reasons and rest following a busy schedule, but his return comes just in time for India’s ODI series against Australia and the upcoming home season.
His comeback is seen as a huge morale boost for the Indian squad, which is currently undergoing a phase of transition with younger players being tested under Shubman Gill’s leadership.
Kohli’s experience, passion, and match temperament will be crucial as India prepares for both the Australia series and the future ICC events. His return also sparked excitement among fans across social media — many calling him “The King is back.”
The Indian team management confirmed that Kohli is fully fit and ready to feature in the playing XI, and his presence in the dressing room is expected to bring stability and motivation to the squad.
🌏 5. ICC Launches Global Grassroots Programme for Young Girls in India
In a refreshing development off the field, the International Cricket Council (ICC), in collaboration with Rexona, completed a major grassroots cricket initiative for girls across India.
This programme, called the “Criiio Cricket Festival,” was organized in multiple Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata. It targeted girls aged 15 to 21, giving them a chance to experience the game through simplified, fun cricket formats.
Over 1,900 girls participated in these festivals, many of whom had never played organized cricket before. The initiative focused on making cricket more inclusive, accessible, and empowering for young women, especially from non-urban areas.
The ICC stated that the project was part of a long-term vision to expand women’s cricket globally, coinciding with the Women’s World Cup 2025 hosted in India. Coaches and mentors from the Indian women’s team also took part, inspiring participants to pursue cricket professionally.
This marks a significant step in promoting women’s cricket at the grassroots level, helping to build the next generation of players across the world.
🧩 Other Noteworthy Developments (October 2025)
- Shreyas Iyer Injury Scare: Indian batter Shreyas Iyer was hospitalized in Sydney after a serious spleen injury sustained while fielding in an ODI against Australia. He is recovering but will miss the T20I series.
- England’s Poor ODI Form: England’s men’s team struggled in their ODI series against New Zealand, losing two matches due to repeated top-order collapses.
- Afghanistan’s Emerging Stars: Afghanistan’s cricket team continued to impress in T20Is, with young talents like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Noor Ahmad delivering strong performances against Bangladesh.
- South Africa’s Domestic Reforms: Cricket South Africa announced a new structure to strengthen domestic competitions and nurture players for international cricket.
🏁 Summary – What October 2025 Meant for World Cricket
October 2025 was a month of change and transition in global cricket.
- Veterans like Sophie Devine stepped away, closing one chapter while inspiring the next generation.
- Teams like Pakistan and Australia faced leadership and injury challenges.
- India welcomed back its biggest star, Virat Kohli, signaling experience returning to guide youth.
- And the ICC continued to push the game toward inclusivity, focusing on young female players.
This mix of emotional farewells, bold decisions, and developmental initiatives shows that cricket — both men’s and women’s — continues to evolve rapidly, blending legacy with innovation.
