West Indies Star Russell To Retire From International Cricket

Two-time T20 World Cup champion Andre Russell will retire from international cricket at the age of 37, following the second T20 match against Australia on July 22 in his hometown of Kingston, Jamaica, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced on Wednesday.

Russell, a dynamic all-rounder, was part of the West Indies squads that clinched the T20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016. Over the course of his T20 international career, he earned 84 caps, scoring three half-centuries and claiming 61 wickets.

A white-ball specialist, Russell played only one Test match but made 56 appearances in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), taking 70 wickets. His last ODI outing came in 2019.

“Words cannot express what this journey has meant to me. Representing the West Indies has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” Russell said in a statement.
“As a child, I never imagined reaching this level, but as I played more and grew to love the game, I realized the possibilities. That inspired me to keep improving because I wanted to make my mark in maroon and become a role model for others.”

Known for his powerful performances in T20 leagues around the world, Russell recently featured in the U.S.-based Major League Cricket. He expressed a desire to end his international career on a high note.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy paid tribute to Russell’s impact on the game, saying, “His desire to perform and win for the West Indies has never faded. I wish him nothing but success in this next chapter, and may he continue to inspire future generations.”

The West Indies will host Australia in the opening match of the five-game T20 series this Sunday in Kingston. Australia recently completed a 3-0 sweep in the Test series.