Port of Spain, Trinidad – Veteran off-spinner Sunil Narine has finally quit international cricket, four years after playing his last game for West Indies.
The 35-year-old made the formal announcement in a statement posted on his Instagram account Sunday, indicating he was also calling time on his domestic 50-over career following the ongoing Super50 Cup.
Narine has taken 12 wickets at nearly 11.5 runs apiece for Trinidad and Tobago Red Force who have so far played unbeaten.
“I appreciate it has been over four years since I last played for West Indies but today I am announcing my retirement from international cricket,” Narine wrote.
“Publicly I am a man of few words but privately there are a few people who have given me unwavering support throughout my career and helped me realise my dream of representing West Indies and to you I express my deepest gratitude.
“Especially my family and in particular my father. He is ever present with me when I take to the field and I am indebted to his support and love, which carried me through the times I questioned whether the pursuit of my dreams was really worth it.”
He continued: “I would like to acknowledge and thank Cricket West Indies, the coaching staff and passionate West Indies fans, and of course my teammates who enabled me to play at the highest level, in all formats and with some memorable successes.”
Narine, who throughout his career was plagued with issues concerning his action, featured in six Tests, 65 One-Day Internationals and 51 Twenty20 Internationals but with limited success.
However, he established himself in the franchise format, where he dominated especially in the lucrative Indian Premier League for Kolkata Knight Riders.
Narine said despite his retirement, he could continue to pursue his franchise career.
“I love representing Trinidad and Tobago, the country of my birth, and to add another title by winning this Super50 Cup will be the perfect send off,” he said.
“Needless to say, outside of this it will continue to be business as usual for me in the franchise world for the foreseeable future.” (CMC)
