Andre Russell announces international retirement after Australia T20Is at home

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell will retire from international cricket after the first two T20Is against Australia at Sabina Park, his home ground. The 37-year-old, a two-time T20 World Cup winner, called the opportunity his proudest career moment.

Hyderabad: West Indies T-20 squad will not be the same again with hard-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell announcing retirement from international cricket after the first two T-20 is against Australia at Sabina Park in Jamaica, his home ground.

The 37-year-old Russell, who is such an integral part of the two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders and a very popular cricket amongst the crowds, incidentally has been playing only T-20Is for West Indies for the last six years.

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But what was surprising was that the announcement came before the next T-20 World Cup to be held in Sri Lanka and India in February 2026.

“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,” he 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.”

Russell was a part of the West Indies squads when they won the T20 World Cup in 2012 and then in 2016, when he took the new ball and dismissed Alex Hales in the second over in Kolkata.

“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 the West Indies has never wavered. I wish him all the best in his next chapter, and I hope he continues to inspire generations to come,” the coach said.