Sunil Narine has announced his retirement from international cricket, four years after he played his last game for the West Indies.
The 35-year-old retires as the fourth highest wicket-taker for the West Indies in T20Is (52 in 51 matches), also taking 92 wickets in ODIs and 21 wickets in six Tests.
Along with his international retirement, he also announced his exit from domestic 50-over cricket.
While Narine’s prowess was best exhibited in several T20 leagues around the world, he played key roles in West Indies’ T20 World Cup title triumph in 2012, taking nine wickets and conceding well under a run a ball. These included figures of 3-9 in the final against Sri Lanka to help his side defend 138.
Through his career, Narine has been affected by injuries, extended drops in form and a suspect bowling action that needed rectification, all playing a part in his limited international appearances. He last played a T20I in 2019, even as calls to include him grew ahead of the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cup.
His Test career promised much, but couldn’t progress beyond six appearances, in which he took two six-wicket hauls, as many as he took in one-dayers. His last Test came in 2013, and the last ODI in 2016.
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In a note on social media, he thanked his “fans, peers and loved ones”, expressing the support he has received through his career.
“I appreciate it has been over 4 years since I last played for West Indies but today I am announcing my retirement from International cricket. Publicly I am a man of few words, but privately there are a few people who have given me unwavering support throughout my career and helped me realise my dream of representing West Indies and to you I express my deepest gratitude.”
“Especially my family, and in particular my Father. He is ever present with me when I take to the field and I am indebted to his support and love which carried me through the times I questioned whether the pursuit of my dreams was really worth it. Thank you, Dad, I hope I keep making you proud. I would like to acknowledge and thank Cricket West Indies, the coaching staff, passionate West Indies fans and of course my teammates who enabled me play at the highest level, in all formats and with some memorable successes.
“I am also taking this opportunity to bow out of domestic 50 over cricket. I love representing Trinidad & Tobago, the country of my birth, and to add another title by winning this current Super50 Cup will be the perfect send off. Needless to say, outside of this it will continue to be business as usual for me in the franchise world for the foreseeable future.”
