(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] The West Indies cricket fans bid farewell to their star bowling all-rounder, Sunil Narine, who officially announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday, November 5. The Trinidadian cricketer, known for his stylish performances, made his mark in international cricket with a career spanning six tests, 65 ODIs, and 51 T20Is. Narine’s final international appearance dates back to 2019 when he played in a T20I match against India at the Providence Stadium.
On his Instagram account, Narine expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the support he received throughout his career, both publicly and privately. Acknowledging the pivotal role of those who supported him, Narine conveyed his deepest gratitude to the individuals who helped him realize his dream of representing the West Indies
“I appreciate it has been over four years since I last played for West Indies, but today, I am announcing my retirement from International cricket,” Narine wrote in his retirement post.
“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,” he added.
He further thanked the Cricket West Indies, who provided Narine with the opportunity to represent the team at the highest level among several great players
“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 to play at the highest level, in all formats and with some memorable successes.”
He also mentioned that the ongoing Super50 Cup will be his last domestic 50-over cricket tournament and stated that he wants to end on a high after leading his team Trinidad & Tobago to a winning march.
“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,” the 35-year-old shared.
Reflecting on his international cricket numbers, Narine, known for his mystery spin, took 52 wickets in 51 T20I matches, maintaining an average of 21.25 and an economy rate of 6.01. In 65 ODIs, he secured 92 wickets with an average of 26.46 and an economy rate of 4.12. He made a limited appearance in Test cricket, featuring in only six games, where he claimed 21 scalps with an average of 40.52 and an economy rate of 3.09.
Narine assured his fans that he would continue to play franchise cricket across the globe, signaling that his cricketing journey is far from over.
“Needless to say, outside of this, it will continue to be business as usual for me in the franchise world for the foreseeable future,” he concluded.