In a heartfelt announcement, West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine bid adieu to his international cricket career on Sunday. This decision marks the conclusion of an illustrious 8-year journey representing the Men in Maroon. His last appearance for the West Indies came in August 2019 during a T20I match, and his retirement has stirred emotions among fans and the cricketing fraternity alike.
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Taking to Instagram, Narine expressed his decision, stating, “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.” Known for his modest and reserved nature, Narine went on to acknowledge the unwavering support he received throughout his career. He added, “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 realize my dream of representing West Indies, and to you, I express my deepest gratitude.”
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Sunil Narine’s journey into the limelight began with his exceptional performances for Trinidad and Tobago in the now-defunct Champions League T20. He made his debut for the West Indies in December 2011 and went on to feature in 122 international games, including six Tests, 65 ODIs, and 51 T20Is. In these matches, he showcased his incredible bowling prowess, amassing a total of 165 wickets, leaving a significant mark on West Indies cricket.
One of the highlights of Sunil Narine international career was helping West Indies secure their maiden ICC T20 World Cup title in 2012. He also played a crucial role in the 2014 edition of the tournament. His contributions with both bat and ball made him a valuable asset to the team.
Outside of international cricket, Sunil Narine enjoyed a successful stint with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, where he picked up 163 wickets in 162 matches and scored 1,046 runs, including 4 fifties. He was a sought-after player in T20 leagues worldwide, participating in tournaments such as the International League T20 (Abu Dhabi), Caribbean Premier League with the Trinbago Knight Riders, and the Major League Cricket with Los Angeles.
Narine also showcased his skills in the Hundred men’s competition with the Oval Invincibles, as well as in leagues like the Big Bash League, Pakistan Super League, and Bangladesh Premier League.
Narine’s international career had its fair share of challenges. In 2014, he faced a setback when he was reported for a suspect bowling action. As a result, he withdrew from the ODI World Cup 2015 and had sporadic international appearances in the years that followed. Despite these obstacles, his resilience and determination shone through, and he continued to make valuable contributions to West Indies cricket.
In his retirement announcement, Narine also expressed gratitude to his father for his unwavering support. He mentioned, “[My father] is ever present with me when I take to the field, and I am indebted to his support and love, which carried me through the times I questioned whether the pursuit of my dreams was really worth it.” He concluded by expressing his love for representing Trinidad & Tobago and his desire to cap off his career with a victory in the Super50 Cup, a fitting send-off for a cricketing legend.
Sunil Narine’s retirement marks the end of an era, and his contributions to West Indies cricket will be remembered for years to come. His journey from Trinidad and Tobago to becoming a global T20 sensation is a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport. Cricket fans worldwide salute his remarkable career and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
