When Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from international cricket, the heartfelt tributes rolled in from legends, teammates, and fans alike. But a quip from the most unexpected corner—Iceland Cricket—struck a chord beyond mere amusement. Their social media post, “We are not going to comment on Cheteshwar Pujara’s decision to retire from Test cricket, because we thought he already was,” resonated as a witty, yet sharp nudge at the selectors who hadn’t picked Pujara in nearly two years.
A Retirement Long Overdue
On August 24, 2025, Pujara formally called time on his international career, ending 15 years as one of India’s most reliable Test batsmen. With 103 matches, 7,195 runs, and 19 centuries, he bowed out with grace, expressing gratitude and making room for the next generation.
His retirement prompted an outpouring of admiration from cricketing icons—Sachin Tendulkar praised his calmness under pressure, while Yuvraj Singh, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, and Sunil Gavaskar lauded his grit, technique, and team-first ethos. Politician and author Shashi Tharoor lamented that Pujara didn’t get the “dignified farewell” he truly deserved.
Yet the broader narrative suggested that while fans and legends mourned his exit, selectors seemed to have written the final chapter much earlier.
Selectors? More Like … Ghost Writers?
Pujara hadn’t donned the India jersey since the 2023 World Test Championship final—a prolonged absence that did not escape public notice. Ahead of retirement, he was even omitted from domestic squads like West Zone’s Duleep Trophy lineup, a clear sign his international farewell lacked fanfare and was conspicuously uncelebrated.
In this light, Iceland Cricket’s comment was not just humor—it was a tacit criticism of selectors’ long silence, almost as if Pujara had already retired in spirit.
Iceland Cricket’s Post
The post read:
“We are not going to comment on Cheteshwar Pujara’s decision to retire from Test cricket, because we thought he already was.”
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) August 24, 2025
A punchy one-liner that distilled a larger frustration—if Pujara already felt sidelined for years, what was the point of a formal announcement?
What Lies Beneath the Wit
Cricket often rewards flair, aggression, and star power. Pujara’s hallmark was the opposite—unyielding resolve, patient accumulation, and steely technique. While invaluable, these virtues don’t always spark headlines, especially in eras enamored with rapid scoring. As such, he became a casualty of changing tastes and shifting priorities in selection.
Iceland Cricket, known for its playful commentary, used this moment to spotlight serious questions:
- Why was a cricketer of Pujara’s calibre ignored for so long?
- Why did selectors offer no proper send-off to a player central to India’s overseas success?
A Subtle Reminder—and a Missed Opportunity
Through that playful barb, Iceland Cricket highlighted that sometimes, silence speaks louder than words. Pujara’s retirement was, in many ways, a formality following years of unspoken retirement by omission.
The post served as a reminder that respect for cricketers—especially those who define resistance and resilience—shouldn’t hinge only on current relevance, but on loyalty, legacy, and the dignity of farewell.
