Windies' Dwayne Bravo retires from international cricket with immediate effect

West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo on Thursday announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect, bringing an end to a 14-year long career.

The 35-year-old, however, will continue to play T20 franchise cricket around the world.

The Trinidadian cricketer, who made his debut for the Windies in 2004, played 40 Tests, 164 one-day internationals (ODI) and 66 Twenty20 internationals (T20I). 

But he made his last international appearance for the national team more than two years ago, a T20I match against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

Announcing his decision through a media statement, Bravo stated 
"Today I want to confirm to the cricket world that I have officially retired from international cricket in all formats of the game. After 14 years when I made my debut for the West Indies, I still remember that moment I received the maroon cap before walking onto the Lords Cricket Ground against England in July 2004. The enthusiasm and passion I felt then, I have kept with me throughout my career." 

"However, I must accept that for me to preserve my longevity as a professional cricketer, I must do as others before have done, leave the international arena for the next generation of players."

"I thank the countless persons who were instrumental to my success, particularly my family and QPCC where I developed my skills at an early age," Bravo said. 

"I thank the many loyal fans who continue to support my journey and who recognize my efforts on and off the field. I am extremely fortunate to have a career that has taken me across the globe into the most prestigious dressing rooms sharing experiences with all the recent legends of this glorious game. I will continue my professional career as a cricketer and entertainer living as a true champion," he concluded. 

The former captain ends his career with 2,200 runs and 86 wickets in Tests; 2,968 ODI runs and 199 wickets; and 1,142 runs and 52 wickets in T20I cricket.