Andre Russell to retire from International cricket after Australia T20Is

The West Indies' explosive all-rounder, Andre Russell, has made the announcement he will retire from international cricket after playing the first two T20Is against Australia. The matches will be played at Russell's home ground, Sabina Park, Jamaica. The series begins on July 20th, heralding Russell's departure after a terrific international career, which included his rise to becoming one of the game's most explosive T20 players of his generation.

Russell, now 37, played 84 T20Is for the West Indies, scoring 1078 runs and taking 61 wickets. While he last played ODI cricket in 2019, his impact in the shortest format of the game continued from then, including his key roles at the T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2016 when the West Indies lifted the trophy. Russell also played one Test and 56 ODIs in international cricket.

“Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life,” Russell said. “I want to finish my international career on a high while being a role model for the next generation of cricketers coming out of the Caribbean.”

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Russell to Retire as West Indies Look Ahead to 2026

Russell’s decision comes just seven months before the next T20 World Cup, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. He becomes the second high-profile West Indian after Nicholas Pooran to step away from international cricket in recent weeks.

West Indies coach Daren Sammy paid tribute to Russell, calling him a “fierce competitor” whose hunger to win never wavered. Matthew Forde has been named as Russell’s replacement for the remainder of the Australia series. Meanwhile, teenager Jewel Andrew and pacer Jediah Blades have earned maiden T20I call-ups. Andrew impressed during CPL 2024, becoming the youngest West Indian to score a fifty in a major T20 league.

With Shai Hope leading the squad and Rovman Powell returning, the focus for West Indies is already on the 2026 T20 World Cup. “We want to regain our form at home and build momentum,” said Sammy. Russell leaves behind a legacy of power-hitting, match-winning performances, and an undying passion for the maroon jersey.