Published: Jul 17, 2025, 12:05 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 17, 2025, 12:05 PM (IST)
Following the retirement of Nicholas Pooran, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has now also announced his retirement from international cricket following the first two Twenty20 matches against Australia at Sabina Park in Jamaica.
The 37-year-old Russell has played 84 T20 Internationals since 2019. He announced his retirement seven months ahead of the T20 World Cup, scheduled for February 2026. His international career also included one Test and 56 One-Day Internationals for the West Indies.
“Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life,” Russell said. “When I was a kid, I did not expect to get to this level, but the more you start to play and get to love the sport, you realise what you can achieve. This inspired me to become better because I wanted to leave a mark in the maroon colours and become an inspiration to others,” Russell said.
“I love playing for the West Indies and I love playing at home in front of my family and friends where I get to showcase my talent and produce more high-quality performances. 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,” he added.
After Nicholas Pooran, Russell will become the second veteran West Indies player
to step away from international cricket within two months. The West Indies selectors were surprised by his retirement announcement.
Russell was a member of the West Indies squad that won the T20 World Cup in both 2012 and 2016. In the 2016 edition, he took the new ball and dismissed Alex Hales in the second over.
“Andre has always been the consummate professional and a fierce competitor,” coach Daren Sammy said.
“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, and I hope he continues to inspire generations to come,” he added.
After Russell’s retirement, Matthew Forde replaced him in the squad for the St Kitts leg of the series against Australia.
