Bravo withdraws from all cricket

His CPL 2024 interrupted by injury Dwayne Bravo has confirmed that he is retiring from all forms of cricket. Bravo, who retired from the IPL last year, is the leading wicket-taker in T20 history.

“Twenty-one years as a professional cricketer – it has been an incredible journey, full of ups and a few downs,” Bravo wrote in his Instagram post announcing his retirement on Thursday (September 26). “Most importantly, I was able to fulfill my dream because I gave 100 (percent) at every step. As much as I would love to continue this relationship, it’s time to face reality.

“My mind wants to keep working, but my body can no longer bear the pain, breakdowns and tension. I can’t put myself in a position where I could let down my teammates, my fans or the teams I represent.

“So it is with a heavy heart that I officially announce that I am leaving the sport. Today the Master says goodbye.

The West Indies great had earlier retired from international cricket in 2021 and has since then been working as a freelancer in T20 leagues, apart from that he has also been involved in coaching. Over the past 12 months, Bravo has worked with both his IPL team, Chennai Super Kings, and was appointed as Afghanistan’s bowling consultant for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.

In his 18-year T20 cricket career, Bravo has won championships with his CPL teams, in the IPL, Pakistan Super League as well as the Big Bash League. Three of his five CPL titles came with Trinbago Knight Riders, leading them to back-to-back trophies in 2017 and 2018, before leading St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to their maiden title in 2021. In addition, he was also a two-time World Cup winner with West Indies and heads into the sunset with 631 wickets in the shortest format of the game in 582 matches.

Bravo announced at the beginning of the ongoing CPL that this would be its last season. While he was retained by MI Emirates in ILT20 in the UAE, a groin injury during the CPL 2024 match earlier in the week ruined those chances.