Abu Dhabi: West Indies superstar Dwayne Bravo bid farewell from international cricket on Saturday after his team lost the contest against Australia in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 in Abu Dhabi. However, he has stated that he intends to continue playing for the franchise for as long as he is fit.
“I will continue playing franchise cricket for a few more years as long as my body will allow me to. My aim was to retire a few years ago, but with a change of presidency (at CWI) and change of leadership comes a change of heart, and I wanted to give back to West Indies because I was still in a good place physically and enjoy my cricket.” Bravo said after the match at Abu Dhabi.
“I think this was the right moment for me to walk away from the game, and allow the next generation and young players who I share a very good friendship with, to come through. They still see me around but more passing information around as policy and trying to give my experience back to the next group of players, and hopefully they can also have a 12-to-18-year career as well.” Bravo said.
Bravo, a T20 legend in his own right, made his international debut in 2004 and went on to represent the West Indies in 91 T20Is, as well as 40 Tests and ODIs. During his illustrious career, Bravo scored 2968 runs and claimed 199 wickets in 164 ODIs. While the legend of T20 format hit 1255 runs and snared 78 scalps in the shortest format at the international level. He also represented Windies in 40 Tests where he scored 2200 runs and ends with 86 wickets under his name. Meanwhile, Bravo will continue playing the franchise cricket as he is currently the leading wicket-taker in the T20s with 533 scalps.
“I’ve had a very good career. To represent the West Indies for 18 years, had some ups and downs but as I look back at it, I’m very grateful to represent the region and the Caribbean people for so long. To win three ICC trophies, two with my captain [Daren Sammy] on the left here. One thing I am proud about is that the era of cricketers we had we were able to make a name for ourselves on the global stage and not only do that but have the silverware to show for it,” He added.
Wishing to give it back to the game that gave him everything, Bravo expressed his desire to to don a coaching role later. “Definitely at some point if I decide to walk away from the game finally, I would love to get back in the coaching department, so I already started to put things in place for when it’s that time.”
“Definitely you will see me around. Like I said, cricket has given me everything. Cricket has given me the life I always wanted for myself and my family. So I think it’s only fair that I love to give back to the game that has given me so much. Again, I keep encouraging myself because of the talent I see coming through in West Indies, and whatever team I play for around the world, so definitely you will see me involved.” he singed off.
