West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo retires from international cricket

Bravo who made his debut way back in 2004, last played for the West Indies, now known as the Windies in a T20I against Pakistan 2016 and since then have been ignored by selectors.

After being ignored from the national side for more than 2 years, West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo decided to announce his retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect on Thursday. Bravo, however, will continue to ply his trade for different franchises in T20 cricket leagues across the globe.

Bravo who made his debut way back in 2004, last played for the West Indies, now known as the Windies in a T20I against Pakistan 2016 and since then have been ignored by selectors.

"Today I want to confirm to the cricket world that I have officially retired from international cricket in all formats of the game. After 14 years when I made my debut for the West Indies, I still remember that moment I received the maroon cap before walking onto the Lords Cricket Ground against England in July 2004. The enthusiasm and passion I felt then, I have kept with me throughout my career.

"However, I must accept that for me to preserve my longevity as a professional cricketer, I must do as others before have done, leave the international arena for the next generation of players."

Bravo played  40 Tests, 164 ODIs and 66 T20Is for the Windies, achieving a great deal of success in limited overs cricket.

Incidentally, he was the captain in his last ODI after the West Indian side dramatically flew back in the middle of the India series in 2014 because of pay disputes with the West Indian Cricket Board.

The 35-year-old scored 2200 runs at an average of 31.42 in Tests, with three centuries, to go with 86 wickets at 39.83. In ODIs, he made 2968 runs at 25.36, with a strike-rate of 82.30, while taking 199 wickets at 29.51 with an economy rate of 5.41.

"I thank the countless persons who were instrumental to my success, particularly my family and QPCC where I developed my skills at an early age," Bravo said. "I thank the many loyal fans who continue to support my journey and who recognize my efforts on and off the field. I am extremely fortunate to have a career that has taken me across the globe into the most prestigious dressing rooms sharing experiences with all the recent legends of this glorious game. I will continue my professional career as a cricketer and entertainer living as a true champion."