Andre Russell to Retire from International Cricket After T20Is vs Australia at Sabina Park

Veteran West Indies allrounder Andre Russell has announced that he will retire from international cricket following the first two T20 Internationals against Australia, set to be played at his home ground, Sabina Park in Jamaica. The 37-year-old, a T20I specialist since 2019, brings the curtain down on an impactful international career spanning 84 T20Is, 56 ODIs, and 1 Test.

Russell’s decision comes seven months ahead of the T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026, and reportedly caught West Indies selectors by surprise.

“One of the Proudest Achievements of My Life”

“Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life,” Russell said in an emotional statement. Reflecting on his journey, he added, “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.”

He emphasized his love for performing in front of home crowds and expressed a desire to finish his international career on a high, serving as a role model for future Caribbean cricketers.

A Two-Time T20 World Cup Winner

Russell was part of the iconic West Indies squads that won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2012 and 2016, the latter featuring his memorable new-ball spell in the final, where he dismissed England’s Alex Hales early in Kolkata.

Coach Daren Sammy paid tribute, calling him “the consummate professional and a fierce competitor.” He added, “His hunger to perform and win for West Indies has never wavered. I hope he continues to inspire generations to come.”

Squad Changes and Emerging Talent

Following Russell’s departure, Matthew Forde will join the squad for the St Kitts leg of the Australia series. The West Indies have also handed maiden T20I call-ups to two rising stars:

  • Jewel Andrew (17) – the youngest West Indian to score a fifty in a major T20 league (CPL 2024); currently playing for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Global Super League (GSL).
  • Jediah Blades (23) – a promising fast bowler who impressed in the West Indies Breakout League, a talent-spotting initiative.

Looking Ahead to T20 World Cup 2026

Captain Shai Hope continues to lead a squad that includes Rovman Powell, who skipped the GSL for Dubai Capitals. Coach Sammy reaffirmed the team’s strategic focus on building for the 2026 T20 World Cup, saying:

“Our goals and strategic plans are aligned to winning the T20 World Cup in 2026… Starting against Australia, we want to regain our form at home and build momentum with our exciting and dynamic group of players.”

Russell becomes the second major West Indies cricketer after Nicholas Pooran to retire from international cricket in less than two months, marking the end of an era while paving the way for a new generation of talent.

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