West Indies Women’s vice-captain Anisa Mohammed has decided to take a leave of absence from international cricket for a period of six months.
In a media release, Cricket West Indies (CWI) said “Mohammed requested to take a break from the game with immediate effect, after a hectic year of cricket both home and away” and the organisation fully supported the 33-year-old’s decision.
“Cricket has given me all that I have, and I still love it as much as the first day I started playing, therefore this decision was not an easy one for me, especially with the T20 World Cup five months away,” Mohammed said.
“However, I must listen to my body and my mind that I need to take time away from the game at this time. This is not a permanent goodbye, but rather a see you soon. I wish the team all the best in all their forthcoming series, and I know Hayley will fulfil her role as captain, as I’ve seen her mature and grow as a person and cricketer.”
Meanwhile, CWI’s director of cricket Jimmy Adams lauded Mohammed who “has been a true stalwart of West Indies Women’s cricket for over a decade”.
“We at CWI wish her well and will provide any support she may require during this period away from international cricket and look forward to welcoming her back in March.”
Mohammed made her debut for the West Indies at the age of 13 at the Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Holland in 2003. She established herself as the premier spin bowler for the West Indies Women, going on to become the first cricketer, male or female, to take 100 T20I wickets and ultimately the leading wicket-taker in the format with 125 scalps. (PR/SAT)
