By West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has officially announced that he will retire from international cricket following the first two T20Is against Australia at Sabina Park in Jamaica. The explosive 37-year-old will bring the curtain down on a glittering T20I career in front of his home crowd, marking an emotional farewell to the maroon jersey.
Russell will feature in the opening two T20Is of the five-match series, with Matthew Forde named as his replacement for the remaining three games in St. Kitts & Nevis. This announcement signals the end of a dynamic international career that spanned over a decade and brought unforgettable moments for Caribbean fans.
A Stellar T20I Career
Andre Russell played 84 T20 Internationals for West Indies, scoring 1078 runs at a blistering strike rate and taking 61 wickets with his fiery pace and clever variations. He was a key figure in West Indies’ T20 World Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2016, forming the backbone of a golden era in Windies T20 cricket.
Beyond the international stage, Russell’s impact on the global franchise circuit has been monumental. In 561 T20 matches, he has amassed 9316 runs at a staggering strike rate of 168.31, along with 485 wickets, making him one of the most valuable T20 players in the world.
Farewell in His Own Words
In his emotional retirement statement, Andre Russell reflected on his journey:
Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life… I wanted to leave a mark in the maroon colours and become an inspiration to others.
I love playing for the West Indies and I love playing at home in front of my family and friends… I want to finish my international career on a high while being a role model for the next generation of cricketers coming out of the Caribbean.
Daren Sammy’s Tribute
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy praised Russell’s unwavering commitment:
Andre has always been the consummate professional and a fierce competitor. Whether I was captaining him or now coaching him, his hunger to perform and win for West Indies has never wavered. I wish him all the best on his next chapter.
As the Sabina Park crowd prepares to bid farewell to one of its most loved sons, fans around the world will be watching to celebrate the final international appearance of a true T20 icon. With two games left in the maroon, Andre Russell will look to finish his international journey with the same fire that defined his career.
