Sunil Narine, a name etched in the annals of cricket, has decided to close the curtains on his illustrious international career, spanning eight glorious years. His final appearance in the West Indies colors dates back to August 2019, when he graced a T20I match with his presence.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Narine, a man typically known for his brevity, revealed his retirement from the international arena. He acknowledged the few individuals who had steadfastly supported him throughout his journey, enabling him to fulfill his dream of representing West Indies.
Narine’s cricketing odyssey commenced in the spotlight of the Champions League T20 in 2011 while playing for Trinidad & Tobago. He later made his international debut in an ODI in December of the same year. Over the course of his career, Narine participated in 122 international matches, encompassing six Test matches, 65 ODIs, and 51 T20Is.
“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 on Instagram. “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.”
A defining moment in his career came in 2012 when he played a pivotal role in West Indies clinching their first T20 World Cup title, a feat they had not achieved since 1979. His nine wickets in the tournament left an indelible mark. He would later feature in the 2014 edition of the T20 World Cup.
For the past decade, Narine has been a stalwart for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League and has become a familiar face in T20 leagues around the world. He considers this his new normal for the foreseeable future, transitioning seamlessly from the international stage to the lucrative T20 circuit.
In a touching tribute to his father, Narine expressed his profound gratitude for the unwavering support that carried him through moments of self-doubt. He also shared his deep love for representing Trinidad & Tobago, his birthplace, and harbors aspirations to conclude his career on a high note by clinching the Super50 Cup title.
“[My father] 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 wrote. “I love representing Trinidad & Tobago, the country of my birth, and to add another title by winning the Super50 Cup will be the perfect send-off.”
Narine’s swan song in List A cricket will be the ongoing Super50 Cup, marking the end of a remarkable international journey that has left an indomitable legacy in the world of cricket.
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