Oct 25 (NIE): West Indies allrounder Dwayne Bravo on Thursday announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. The 35-year-old released a statement to the media and said that he will always remember the moment when he received his maiden cap 14 years ago. “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,” he said.
The right-arm bowler added that he will continue to feel the same passion for the sport he felt throughout his career. “The enthusiasm and passion I felt then, I have kept with me throughout my career,” he said.
Bravo added that it is time for him to pass on the torch to next generation of players. “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,” he said.
The right-hand batsman also expressed gratitude to his family and his fans for supporting him throughout his career. “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. 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,” he said.
Bravo made his debut in 2004 against England and played 40 Tests, 164 ODIs and 66 T20Is. He last played an international match for Windies in a T20I against Pakistan in September 2016. His last Test appearance was back in 2010, against Sri Lanka. His final ODI appearances for the Caribbean side in 2014 against India.