Sunil Narine, the West Indies’ mystery spinner, announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday, bringing an end to a turbulent career on and off the pitch.
Narine, a part of the West Indies’ 2012 ICC T20 World Cup-winning team, last played for the West Indies in a T20I against India in August 2019 in Providence.
“I appreciate it has been over four years since I last played for West Indies, but today, I am announcing my retirement from International cricket,” Narine, 35, posted on Instagram.
“Publicly, I am a man of few words, but privately, there are a few people who have given me unwavering support throughout my career and helped me realise my dream of representing West Indies, and to you, I express my deepest gratitude.” As he moved away from top-level cricket, Narine praised his family, particularly his father, and everyone around him.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank Cricket West Indies, the coaching staff, passionate West Indies fans and of course my teammates who enabled me to play at the highest level, in all formats and with some memorable successes.” Narine is currently representing Trinidad and Tobago in the ongoing Super50 Cup competition, however he has stated that this will be his final List-A appearance.
“I’m also using this opportunity to retire from domestic 50-over cricket.” I enjoy representing Trinidad and Tobago, my birth nation, and adding another trophy by winning the current Super50 Cup will be the appropriate send-off.” However, Narine stated that he will remain involved with the sport through franchise cricket.
“Needless to say, outside of this, it will continue to be business as usual for me in the franchise world for the foreseeable future,” he said.
Narine rose to prominence while representing Trinidad in the now-defunct Champions League T20 in 2011.
He was an instant hit since he could bowl so many different types, such as skidders, knuckleballs, and carrom balls.
The Trinidadian made his international debut for the Windies in an ODI against India in Ahmedabad in 2011.
Since then, he has played 65 One-Day Internationals and taken 92 wickets. He has also played six Tests and 51 T20Is for the Caribbeans, taking 21 and 52 wickets respectively.
Narine has also been a key member of IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders since 2011 and has become a sought-after player in numerous T20 leagues throughout the world.
Narine’s bowling also created a lot of controversy as he was suspended on a few instances for allegedly having an illegal bowling action.
However, he managed to rework his action and continued to make near-similar impacts.
Narine’s batting has also been the talk in various T20 leagues as he has delivered quite often as an hard-hitting opener.
