West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has announced his retirement from international cricket and will play his final two matches during the upcoming T20I series against Australia at his home ground, Sabina Park, on 20 and 22 July.
Russell, a two-time ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champion in 2012 and 2016, was named in the 16-member West Indies squad for the series and will bow out in front of his home fans in Kingston, Jamaica.
“Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life,” Russell said in a statement via Cricket West Indies. “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.”
Farewell at home after more than a decade in maroon
The 36-year-old made his international debut in 2010 and has featured in all three formats, though he has exclusively played T20Is since 2019. In 84 T20I appearances, Russell has scored 1,078 runs and taken 61 wickets with his dynamic all-round skills.
Known globally for his explosive batting and game-changing bowling, Russell became a dominant force in domestic T20 leagues, winning multiple championships across the world.
He missed the series against England late last year due to injury, but returns now for a final hurrah on home soil.
Tributes from teammate, captain, and now coach
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy, who led the team during both of Russell’s T20 World Cup victories, paid tribute to the Jamaican star’s impact on and off the field.
“Andre has always been the consummate professional and a fierce competitor. Whether I was captaining him or now coaching him, his hunger to perform and win for West Indies has never wavered,” Sammy said. “I wish him all the best on his next chapter, and I hope he continues to inspire generations to come.”
Russell’s career by the numbers
- International debut: 2010
- T20Is played: 84
- T20I runs: 1,078
- T20I wickets: 61
- World Cups won: 2 (2012, 2016)
With his final matches set for 20 and 22 July at Sabina Park, Russell will retire from international cricket in the city where his journey began — leaving behind a legacy of power, flair, and inspiration in maroon.
