Sunil Narine, the renowned West Indian cricketer, has announced his decision not to participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, putting an end to speculation surrounding his potential return to international cricket. Narine, who retired from international cricket in November 2023, has been making waves with his stellar performances for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024 season.
In a recent match against the Rajasthan Royals, Narine showcased his batting prowess by smashing his maiden T20 century, scoring an unbeaten 109 off just 56 balls. With a total of 286 runs in seven innings, he stands as one of the leading run-scorers in the tournament. Additionally, Narine has proven to be a key asset with the ball, leading the wicket-taking charts for KKR with nine scalps at an impressive economy rate of 7.10.
Despite rumors suggesting his possible inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad, Narine has confirmed that his retirement is final and that the door to international cricket is closed. Expressing gratitude for the support from fans and teammates, he emphasized his decision to stand by the team’s side and support them from the sidelines.
“I’m truly flattered and humbled that my performances recently have moved many people to publicly express their wish for me to come out of retirement and play in the upcoming T20 World Cup,” Narine wrote in a statement issued by KKR.
“I have made peace with that decision and whilst I never wish to disappoint, that door is now closed and I will be supporting the guys who take the field in June for West Indies.
“Guys who have worked hard for the past few months and deserve to show our wonderful fans that they are capable of winning another title – I wish you all the best.”
Efforts were made by West Indies T20I captain Rovman Powell and other players to persuade Narine to reconsider his retirement decision, but Narine remained resolute in his stance. Although teammates held out hope for a change of heart before the squad selection, Narine reaffirmed his commitment to focusing on league cricket post his international retirement.
In a statement issued through KKR, Narine expressed appreciation for the fans’ understanding and support, marking the end of his illustrious international career. While his exceptional performances in the IPL sparked speculation about a possible return, Narine’s primary focus remains on excelling in league cricket and supporting his teammates in their quest for success in the T20 World Cup.
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