Andre Russell bows out of West Indies duty, but T20 show goes on

Dubai: Andre Russell didn’t get the victory he would’ve wanted in his farewell international match, but as he walked off Sabina Park to a standing ovation on Tuesday, there was no mistaking the emotion of the moment — a local boy saying goodbye to the maroon jersey, but not to the game he still dominates across continents.

Having announced that the first two T20Is against Australia would be his final appearances for West Indies, Russell ensured his last act with bat in hand was vintage. Coming in at 98 for 5, he thumped 36 off just 15 balls, clearing the ropes six times and cracking two more boundaries — a familiar blitz from a player who redefined the role of the late-order finisher.

“The result didn’t go our way, but I didn’t want to finish on a losing note,” said Russell after the match. “Just happy to play in front of the home crowd. The support from Sabina Park has always meant the world to me.”

At 37, and having already played professional cricket on almost every continent, Russell is now choosing to devote his final playing years to franchise cricket — a space where he remains one of the most sought-after all-rounders. A two-time T20 World Cup winner (2012 and 2016), Russell leaves the international stage with 86 T20Is, 1122 runs, and 61 wickets to his name — but also with the legacy of being a global face of the T20 revolution.

“As a kid you dream about playing here,” he said, gesturing toward the Kingston crowd. “I’ve had my time. Now it’s time to move ahead and allow the younger guys to step up. You look at Shephard, Rutherford, Alzarri, Holder — we’ve got talent coming through.”

Russell was given a guard of honour by teammates and opponents alike before stepping out for one last time in maroon, capping a career that transcended national duty. He was one of the first Caribbean players to fully embrace the franchise circuit, becoming a fan favourite at Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, where he has been a fixture since 2014 and has racked up over 2,400 runs and 100+ wickets.

And that chapter is far from over. Indeed, even as he walks away from international cricket, Russell’s calendar remains packed. Along with the IPL, he is likely to be a marquee name in upcoming editions of Major League Cricket (MLC), the UAE’s ILT20, and the Caribbean Premier League — tournaments where his presence continues to drive crowds and broadcasting deals alike.

Russell’s retirement is also a reminder of how the cricketing landscape has evolved. For a generation of players, the international game is no longer the only pinnacle. In Russell’s case, he departs having given his all to West Indies cricket — and now moves into the next act, still in demand, still devastating, and still very much a star.

“Thank you for all the support,” he told fans. For Russell, it’s not goodbye to cricket — just goodbye to the Maroon jersey.