Former Pakistan captains Javed Miandad and Shahid Afridi have suggested that Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket may not have been entirely on his own terms. Both cricketing legends believe Kohli still had the form and fitness to continue playing at the highest level and hinted that internal issues with the BCCI may have played a role in his decision.
Kohli, who ended his red-ball career last month, did so without much fanfare — something Miandad called “telling.” He expressed disappointment that one of India’s greatest batters wasn’t given a proper farewell and questioned if behind-the-scenes tensions had influenced the sudden move.
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Afridi, known for his candid views, echoed Miandad’s sentiments and said Kohli deserved more respect from Indian cricket administrators. He acknowledged Kohli’s earlier controversies but noted how much he had matured in recent years, especially after his marriage.
Both former players praised Kohli’s passion, commitment, and match-winning ability, saying players like him are rare and should be honoured, not sidelined. Their remarks have added fuel to ongoing speculation about what really prompted Kohli’s unexpected exit from the longest format.
