Andre Russell to walk away from international cricket with the first two matches against Australia marking the end.
After the first two Twenty20 Internationals against Australia at his home stadium, Sabina Park in Jamaica, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell will retire from international cricket.
Russell, 37, has 84 caps as of right now and has only played in T20Is since 2019. Seven months prior to the next T20 World Cup, which will take place in February 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, he announced his retirement. He also participated in 56 ODIs and one Test match.
“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.”
“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.”
Russell will leave international cricket in less than two months, making him the second well-known West Indies player to do so after Nicholas Pooran. It is believed that Russell’s announcement caught the West Indies’ selectors off guard.
In addition to playing for the West Indies when they won the T20 World Cup in 2012, Russell also took the new ball and got rid of Alex Hales in Kolkata’s second over in 2016.
“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.”
Russell will be replaced by Matthew Forde in the roster for the St Kitts leg of the match versus Australia.