In a move that has rippled through the cricketing community, Sunil Narine, the celebrated West Indies spinner, has announced his retirement from international cricket. His declaration ends an eight-year stint that saw him become one of the most formidable spinners in the West Indies cricket team.
Narine, whose last appearance for the West Indies came in a T20 International in August 2019, took to Instagram to announce his decision, acknowledging the unwavering support he received throughout his career.
The Trinidadian’s journey to international acclaim began in the Champions League T20 in 2011, leading to his West Indies debut later that year. He played 122 International Matches including six tests 65 ODIs and 51 T20Is. Narine’s craft in spin bowling and his knack for taking crucial wickets led him to be an integral part of the team that clinched the T20 World Cup in 2012. This victory was a significant one for the West Indies, marking their first World Cup win across any format since 1979.
Narine has been a consistent member of the Kolkata Knight Riders team since 2012. He is now well-known around the T20 international circuit, and for the foreseeable future, this will be “business as usual” for him. He is still playing for the Knight Riders team in the IPL, Major League Cricket, Caribbean Premier League, International League T20, and Major League Baseball.
Despite his success, Narine’s career faced challenges, particularly in 2014 when his bowling action came under scrutiny, leading to a withdrawal from the 2015 ODI World Cup and affecting his subsequent international appearances.
At 35, Narine remains a sought-after player in the T20 circuit, wearing the colors of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and other franchises around the world. His commitment to the T20 format is undeterred as he continues to showcase his skills across leagues, including the IPL, International League T20, Caribbean Premier League, Major League Cricket, The Hundred, Big Bash League, Pakistan Super League, and Bangladesh Premier League.
Even as he steps away from the international scene, Narine’s love for the game shines through. His aspiration to win the Super50 Cup for Trinidad & Tobago is a testament to his dedication and passion for cricket, demonstrating his desire to continue contributing to the sport he loves.
Sunil Narine’s legacy in international cricket will be remembered for his mesmerizing spin, his calm demeanor on the field, and his contributions to the West Indies’ cricketing history. As he moves forward, his presence on the T20 circuit will continue to inspire and entertain cricket fans around the globe.