Follow UsWest Indies all-rounder Andre Russell is set to retire from international cricket after the two T20Is against Australia in Jamaica.
The 37-year-old has been named in the squad for the five-match T20I series against Australia, and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have confirmed that the first two games of the series, which will be played in his home ground of Sabina Park, Jamaica, will be his final appearances in international cricket.
“Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life. When I was a kid, I did not expect to get to this level, but the more you start to play and get to love the sport, you realise what you can achieve. This inspired me to become better because I wanted to leave a mark in the maroon colours and become an inspiration to others," Russell said in a statement.
“I love playing for the West Indies, and I love playing at home in front of my family and friends, where I get to showcase my talent and produce more high-quality performances. 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.”
Russell has exclusively played T20Is for West Indies since 2019. Overall, he has played 84 T20Is for West Indies, scoring 1,078 runs at a strike rate of 163.08. He has also picked up 61 matches at an economy rate of 9.30.
The Jamaican had a poor performance in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025, hitting 126 runs in eight innings and picking up 10 wickets at an economy rate of just under 10.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy called Russell, who has won the T20 World Cup twice, a fierce competitor.
“Andre has always been the consummate professional and a fierce competitor. Whether I was captaining him or now coaching him, his hunger to perform and win for West Indies has never wavered. I wish him all the best on his next chapter, and I hope he continues to inspire generations to come," Sammy said.
Matthew Forde will replace Russell for the last three T20Is against Australia. Russell's decision to quit international cricket comes just a couple of months after former skipper Nicholas Pooran announced his retirement.