Andre Russell to retire from international cricket after Jamaica T20Is

West Indies allrounder Andre Russell will retire from international cricket after the first two T20Is against Australia on his home ground at Sabina Park in Jamaica.

Russell, 37, has been a T20I-only player since 2019 and currently has 84 caps. His retirement comes seven months before the next T20 World Cup, which will be staged in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026. He also played one Test and 56 ODIs.

"Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life," Russell said. "When I was a kid, I did not expect to get to this level, but the more you start to play and get to love the sport, you realise what you can achieve. This inspired me to become better because I wanted to leave a mark in the maroon colours and become an inspiration to others."

"I love playing for the West Indies and I love playing at home in front of my family and friends where I get to showcase my talent and produce more high-quality performances. I want to finish my international career on a high while being a role model for the next generation of cricketers coming out of the Caribbean."

Russell will become the second high-profile West Indies player, after Nicholas Pooran, to quit international cricket in less than two months. It's understood West Indies' selectors were not expecting Russell's announcement.

Russell was a part of the West Indies squads when they won the T20 World Cup in 2012 and then in 2016, when he took the new ball and dismissed Alex Hales in the second over in Kolkata.

"Andre has always been the consummate professional and a fierce competitor," coach Daren Sammy said. "Whether I was captaining him or now coaching him, his hunger to perform and win for West Indies has never wavered. I wish him all the best on his next chapter, and I hope he continues to inspire generations to come."

Matthew Forde will be Russell's replacement in the squad against Australia for the St Kitts leg of matches.

Meanwhile, teenager Jewel Andrew and Jediah Blades, 23, earned their maiden call-ups to the West Indies T20I squad. In CPL 2024, at 17 years and 266 days, Andrew had become the youngest West Indian and second youngest overall to score a fifty in a major T20 league. Andrew is currently part of Guyana Amazon Warriors in the ongoing Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana.

As for Blades, he has not played the CPL so far but had impressed with the new ball during the inaugural West Indies breakout league, a tournament that was held recently to identify emerging talent from the region. Shai Hope will continue to lead the side, which also includes Rovman Powell, who missed the GSL for Dubai Capitals.

"Our goals and strategic plans are aligned to winning the T20 World Cup in 2026," Sammy said. "We have continuity in the squad from the previous series and as a unit we will continue to fine tune our style and brand ahead of the World Cup."

"Our previous two T20 series at home we were on the wrong end of the results but starting against Australia, we want to regain our form at home as we build momentum into next year's World Cup with our exciting and dynamic group of players."

West Indies squad

Shai Hope (capt), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd