West Indies cricket legend Dwayne Bravo has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket following an injury sustained during the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The all-rounder, who has enjoyed a 21-year-long career, had to make the tough decision after suffering a back injury while playing for Trinbago Knight Riders against St. Lucia Kings. Despite his initial plan to retire at the end of the CPL season, the injury forced him to retire prematurely.
Most Successful Player in CPL History Bows Out
Dwayne Bravo, widely regarded as one of the most successful players in CPL history, has won a record five titles in the league. His impact on T20 cricket is unmatched, as he holds the record for the highest number of wickets taken in this format. His retirement marks the end of a glittering T20 career that spanned over two decades, during which he became an essential part of multiple leagues worldwide.
Bravo had planned to participate in the upcoming UAE ILT20 tournament with MI Emirates. However, due to his injury and the toll it has taken on his body, Bravo has opted out of the tournament, leaving behind a career filled with both triumphs and challenges. Although Bravo retired from international cricket in 2021, he has remained active in various T20 leagues, including coaching stints in the IPL and with the Afghanistan team.
Emotional Farewell on Social Media
In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, Bravo announced his official retirement from professional cricket. He wrote, “Today is the day I say goodbye to the game that has given me everything. It has been an incredible journey of 21 years as a professional cricketer, with many ups and downs. My mind wants to go on, but my body can no longer handle the pain, brokenness, and stress.”
He also shared that he could no longer risk letting down his teammates, fans, or the teams he represents, which led him to take this difficult decision. In his post, he emotionally added, “The champion is saying goodbye.”
A Record-Breaking Career Comes to an End
Dwayne Bravo leaves behind a legacy in T20 cricket that few can match. Across his T20 career, he played 582 matches, taking 631 wickets—an incredible feat in the shortest format. Bravo managed to take four wickets in an innings 11 times and five wickets twice. As a batsman, he scored 6,970 runs, including 20 half-centuries.
In international cricket, Bravo represented West Indies in 40 Test matches, 164 ODIs, and 91 T20 matches, amassing 6,423 runs and taking 363 wickets. His contributions to West Indies cricket, particularly in limited-overs formats, will be remembered as some of the most significant in the modern era.
