Sunil Narine Rules Himself Out of International Cricket Return for June's T20 World Cup

Champion off-spinner Sunil Narine has ruled himself out of a return to international cricket for this June’s Twenty20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States.

In a post on social networking service Instagram, the Trinidadian put to rest swirling speculation over his future saying he had already “made peace with that decision” to retire.

Speculation over a possible return was rife last week after West Indies T20 captain Rovman Powell said he had been trying to convince the 35-year-old to end his retirement in time for the June 1-29 showpiece.

And Narine said while he was “truly flattered and humbled” by the response to his recent Indian Premier League performances, he confirmed the “door is now closed” on his international career.

“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 wrote.

“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.

Narine has been in superb form for Kolkata Knight Riders, last week blasting an unbeaten 109 off 56 balls in a losing effort against Powell’s Rajasthan Royals.

He has also taken nine wickets at a shade over 22 apiece and at an economy rate of seven.

Prior to his retirement last year, Narine had not represented West Indies since 2019, missing the last two T20 World Cup campaigns.

(CMC)