Narine blanks calls to return
Thirty-five-year-old Sunil Narine said he will not come out of international retirement for the 2024 T20 World Cup, which will be held in the West Indies and the US from June 1-29.
In an Instagram post, Narine said, “I hope this message finds you all well and in good health. 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, who last played a T20 for West Indies in 2019, said he will not make himself available for selection.
“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.”
He thinks West Indies can win a third T20 World Cup. “Guys who have worked hard over the past few months deserve to show our wonderful fans that they are capable of winning another title. I wish you all the best.”
Narine has been having strong performances in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), which included his maiden T20 100.
He struck an impressive 109 off 56 balls for Kolkata Knight Riders on April 16 against Rajasthan Royals, slamming 13 fours and six sixes. On April 3, Narine cracked seven fours and seven sixes in his knock of 85 off 39 deliveries against Delhi Capitals.
He also been useful with the ball, grabbing nine wickets at an economy rate of just 7.10. Many have been impressed with his performances.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said, “I’m not in a position to influence Narine. I will go as far as to say, I ‘d like to see the best team out on the field and if Narine is on that team, I will not have any arguments. If he comes out of retirement, as a commitment to West Indies cricket that will be great.”
President of the T&T Cricket Board, Azim Bassarath said, “It is my intention to give him a shout and if I have to beg him to come back and make himself available to play in this tournament (I will) because this is what the people need.”
West Indies T20 Captain Rovman Powell, who is also playing in the IPL, said “For the last 12 months, I’ve been whispering in Narine’s ears, but he’s blocked out everyone.”
Powell asked Narine’s TT team-mates to have a chat with him. “I’ve asked Kieron Pollard, (Dwayne) Bravo and Nicholas Pooran. Hopefully, before they select the (World Cup) team, they can crack his code.”
In an interview after an IPL match, Narine was asked by IPL commentator Samuel Badree if he would consider a return to the team. “I will be watching from home, Badree,” Narine said.
