Andre Russell Announces Retirement from International Cricket

Veteran West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. The 37-year-old will bid farewell to the international stage during the upcoming T20I series against Australia, with his final appearances set for July 20 and 22 at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica his home ground.

A FITTING FAREWELL ON HOME SOIL

Russell, known for his explosive batting and dynamic all-round skills, will feature in the first two games of the five-match white-ball series before bringing the curtain down on an illustrious international career that spanned over a decade.

Cricket West Indies confirmed that Russell’s selection for the series was purely on “performance merit,” emphasizing that he remains one of the most impactful players in global T20 cricket.

RUSSELL REFLECTS ON A PROUD JOURNEY

In an emotional statement, Russell expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent the West Indies, calling it one of the proudest accomplishments of his life.

> “Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life,” he said. “As a kid, I never imagined reaching this level. But the more I played and fell in love with the sport, the more I realized the heights I could reach. That inspired me to keep improving and to leave a mark in maroon.”

He also spoke about the significance of ending his international career at home, in front of family, friends, and local supporters.

> “I love playing at home  in front of my people. It means everything to me to walk off the international stage where it all began. I hope I can be a role model for the next generation of Caribbean cricketers.”

END OF AN ERA FOR WEST INDIES CRICKET

Russell becomes the second major West Indies player to step away from international cricket in recent months, following Nicholas Pooran’s retirement announced just two months ago. The timing is particularly sensitive, with the next ICC T20 World Cup set for February 2026 in India and Sri Lanka  just seven months away.

RUSSELL’S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Russell has been a T20 specialist for West Indies since 2019 and boasts an impressive resume:

T20 Internationals: 84 matches

ODIs: 56 matches

Tests: 1 match

T20 World Cup Titles: 2012 & 2016

Known for his match-winning cameos and athleticism on the field, Russell leaves behind a legacy as one of West Indies’ most electrifying T20 players.

MATTHEW FORDE NAMED REPLACEMENT

Following Russell’s retirement, Matthew Forde has been named as his replacement for the final leg of the series at Warner Park.