Seven months ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026, two-time champions West Indies received a major blow as star all-rounder Andre Russell announced his retirement from international cricket after the first two T20Is against Australia on his home ground at Sabina Park in Jamaica.
Russell, 37, has been a T20I-only player since 2019 and currently has 84 caps. He also played one Test and 56 ODIs. Russell becomes the second high-profile West Indies player, after Nicholas Pooran, to quit international cricket in less than two months.
“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.”
“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,” he added.
Russell was a part of the T20 World Cup-winning outfits in 2012 and 2016 under Darren Sammy, who has now transitioned into a full-time coach with the national team.
“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 on his next chapter, and I hope he continues to inspire generations to come,” the St. Lucian added.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Russell has been a core member of three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders since 2014.