Windies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo retires from international cricket

Windies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket – his letter was made available to the media on Wednesday. Bravo is not taking part in the ongoing ODI series between hosts India and the Windies. The veteran all-rounder was instead playing for Trinidad and Tobago in the Super50 Cup, which is a domestic 50-over tournament played in the Caribbean.

It’s been over two years since Bravo last donned the Windies jersey and took part in an international fixture. He last played for the national side in a T20I against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. His last ODI appearance was way back in 2014 against the Indian team. However, the 35-year-old has increased his reputation as a phenomenal T20 player, being a highly sought-after commodity in franchise-based T20 leagues across the globe.

He represented the Chennai Super Kings in their title-winning return to the IPL, and also plays for the Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL.

In his retirement statement, Bravo said, “Today I want to confirm to the cricket world that I have officially retired from international cricket in all formats of the game. After 14 years when I made my debut for the West Indies, I still remember that moment I received the maroon cap before walking onto the Lords Cricket Ground against England in July 2004. The enthusiasm and passion I felt then, I have kept with me throughout my career.”

“However, I must accept that for me to preserve my longevity as a professional cricketer, I must do as others before have done, leave the international arena for the next generation of players,” he added.

Dwayne Bravo’s career in a glimpse

In the longest format, Bravo played 40 matches scoring 2,200 runs at an average of 31.42 and took 86 wickets, including best bowling figures of 6 for 55. However, his Test career was cut short and after making his debut in 2004, he last donned the whites in 2010.

Having featured in 164 ODIs, Dwayne Bravo scored 2,968 runs at 25.36. He grabbed 199 wickets with career-best figures of 6 for 43. T20I cricket was, however, Bravo’s forte – in the shortest format of the game, he amassed 1142 runs at an average of 24.29 and finished with 52 wickets under his belt. He remains one of the most experienced all-rounders in T20 cricket, having plied his trade in leagues all across the globe. Bravo is not only an exceptional death bowler but can also strike the ball handsomely lower down the order.

His retirement statement also read, “I thank the countless persons who were instrumental to my success, particularly my family and QPCC where I developed my skills at an early age. I thank the many loyal fans who continue to support my journey and who recognize my efforts on and off the field. I am extremely fortunate to have a career that has taken me across the globe into the most prestigious dressing rooms sharing experiences with all the recent legends of this glorious game. I will continue my professional career as a cricketer and entertainer living as a true champion.”

Bravo is, however, likely to remain available for T20 leagues such as the IPL, the BBL and the CPL.

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