West Indies Power-Hitter Bids Farewell to International Cricket. Russell Ends Illustrious Career With Emotional Farewell at Sabina Park
July 23, 2025: Andre Russell, a power-hitter from the West Indies and two-time T20 World Cup champion, officially retired from international cricket on Wednesday (IST).
He played his last match in the second T20 International against Australia at Sabina Park. Even though the visitors won by a huge eight wickets, everyone was still talking about the 37-year-old all-rounder’s goodbye.
Russell had already said that the first two T20Is of the five-game series would be his last. He wanted to play his last game in his hometown. When the West Indies were 98/5, he came out to bat and made an immediate impact, hitting 36 runs off only 15 balls, including six sixes and two fours.
Russell took some time after the game to thank the supporters and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). Russell remarked, “I just want to say thank you, thank you to the people in Sabina Park and the WICB for the chance.” “I’m just happy to have played in front of the home crowd. The result didn’t go our way, but I’m glad I got to play so many games and wish the team the best in the future.” I sincerely appreciate all the help. Thank you very much.
Russell said that winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2012 and 2016 were the best times of his long career. “I remember the two World Cups we won and the flags going up, but I think it was time to move on,” he said, recognizing the rise of young players like Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Alzarri Joseph, and Jason Holder.
As he stepped onto the field for the last time in the maroon jersey, both West Indies and Australian players stood in front of him as a guard of honor. He says goodbye to international cricket after playing 86 T20Is, a format in which he really became a global celebrity. He hit 1086 runs in his T20I career, with a strike rate of 162.09, and took 61 wickets, with an average of 31.19.
He also played 56 ODIs, in which he scored 1034 runs and took 70 wickets. He also participated in one Test match. He is one of the most fascinating cricketers of his time because he can hit the ball hard and do a lot of other things well.