KINGSTON: Dynamic all-rounder Andre Russell will bring down the curtain on his 15-year international career after the second T20I against Australia at Sabina Park on July 22.
The 37-year-old Jamaican, known for his explosive batting and game-changing performances, was named in the squad for the ongoing five-match T20I series and will bid farewell to international cricket at his home ground, playing his final matches on July 20 and 22.
Russell’s international journey has been marked by highs and interruptions. His most notable achievement came as part of West Indies’ T20 World Cup-winning squads in 2012 and 2016. Since 2019, he has exclusively played in the T20 format, representing the Caribbean side in 84 T20Is, alongside 56 ODIs and a lone Test.
In T20Is, Russell has scored 1,078 runs and taken 61 wickets, cementing his reputation as one of the most impactful players in the format.
Announcing his decision just months ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, Russell said in a statement released by Cricket West Indies:
“Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements of my life.
When I was a kid, I never imagined I’d reach this level, but as I grew in the game, I realized what was possible. That motivated me to work harder — to make a mark in the maroon colours and inspire the next generation.”
Russell added that playing in front of home fans remains one of his most cherished experiences.
“I love representing the West Indies and playing at home in front of family and friends. I want to finish on a high note and be a role model for young cricketers from the Caribbean.”
His retirement follows just weeks after Nicholas Pooran, another key player for the Windies, unexpectedly stepped away from international cricket before the age of 30.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy, who shared the field with Russell during his playing days, paid tribute to the all-rounder’s passion and professionalism:
“Andre has always been a true professional and fierce competitor. Whether I captained him or now coach him, his desire to perform and win for West Indies never changed. I wish him the very best in this next chapter and hope he continues to inspire future generations.”
