Sunil Narine has ruled out the prospect of an international comeback during the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA.
The in-form Kolkata Knight Riders opener, who last represented the West Indies in August 2019 and announced his retirement in November 2023, had flirted with the idea of a return to the national fold after scoring his first T20 hundred in IPL 2024. “It is what it is but we will have to see what the future holds,” he had told the broadcaster in a sideline chat when asked about the scope of playing for the West Indies again.
It had led to West Indies captain Rovman Powell also admitting how he had been “whispering in the ears” of Narine to take a U-turn on his retirement for almost 12 months.
But now in a statement via his IPL franchise, Narine has addressed speculations about his international return and admitted how that “door is now closed”.
Pinch hitter Sunil Narine backs up his 85 (39) against Delhi Capitals with an equally scintillating ton versus Rajasthan Royals💜✨#IPL2024 #KKRvsRR #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/51obJt9gGA
— Guerilla Cricket #GCFromHome (@guerillacricket) April 16, 2024
“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 said in the statement.
“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,” he added.
