West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. The dynamic cricketer, known for his explosive batting and effective pace bowling, will play his final two T20 International matches against Australia on July 20 and July 22, 2025, at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. These games, taking place on his home ground, will mark the end of a remarkable international career that spanned over 15 years.
Russell has had an illustrious career in T20 internationals, representing the West Indies in 84 matches, scoring 1,078 runs and taking 61 wickets. His ability to finish games with the bat and contribute crucial breakthroughs with the ball made him a vital part of West Indies’ T20 setup. He was a key member of the squads that won the ICC T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2016, cementing his legacy as one of the finest all-rounders in the shortest format.
In addition to his T20I performances, Russell played 56 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), where he scored over 1,000 runs and took 70 wickets. His Test career was limited to a single appearance in 2010, but it was in the white-ball formats, especially T20s, where he made a lasting impact. Beyond international cricket, Russell became one of the most sought-after players in global T20 leagues, with more than 9,000 runs and nearly 500 wickets in over 500 T20 matches worldwide.
In a heartfelt statement, Russell expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the West Indies. He described wearing the maroon jersey as one of the proudest moments of his life and emphasized his desire to go out on a high note, inspiring the next generation of cricketers. Coach Daren Sammy also praised Russell, calling him a relentless competitor and a leader by example.
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After the first two T20Is against Australia, Russell will step away from international duties. Cricket West Indies has announced that Matthew Forde will join the squad as Russell’s replacement for the remaining matches in the series. The announcement of his retirement has been met with an outpouring of respect and admiration from teammates, fans, and cricket analysts around the world.
As Russell prepares to bid farewell in front of a home crowd, his retirement marks the end of an era for West Indies cricket. His contributions, both as a match-winner and an entertainer, will be remembered for years to come. While his international journey concludes, his presence in franchise cricket is expected to continue, allowing fans to witness his power-hitting brilliance for some time yet.
