Shannon Gabriel announces retirement from international cricket, cites this reason
Published - 29 Aug 2024, 11:04 AM | Updated - 30 Aug 2024, 11:08 AM
West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel has officially announced his retirement from international cricket and concluded his nearly 12-year career. Shannon Gabriel expressed his gratitude for the joy cricket has brought him, stating that "all good things must come to an end."
The right-arm fast bowler made his debut for the West Indies in a Test match against England at Lord's in May 2012. Gabriel then became a vital member of the team for the next decade.
He last played for the West Indies in a Test match against India at Port of Spain in July 2023.
The 36-year-old cricketer took 166 wickets in 59 Test matches at an average of 32.21 with a best bowling figure of 13 for 121, the fourth-best match figures for a West Indian. Gabriel took 13 wickets in the Test match against Sri Lanka at Gros Islet in 2018, but the match ended in a draw.
Have Dedicated Myself To Playing International Cricket - Shannon Gabriel
Shannon Gabriel took to Instagram to announce his retirement from international cricket. The veteran seamer said that playing the game for the West Indies for 12 years has brought him great joy.
"During the past 12 years, I have dedicated myself to playing international cricket for the West Indies. Playing this beloved game at the highest level has brought me immense joy, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Today, I am announcing my retirement from International cricket," Gabriel wrote.
View this post on Instagram
Gabriel struggled to leave a mark in limited-overs cricket for the West Indies team. The bowler made his debut in the 50-over international format in 2016.
Gabriel took 33 wickets in 25 ODI matches, with his last appearance in the 2019 World Cup. He also played two T20I matches in 2013.
Words Cannot Adequately Convey The Appreciation - Shannon Gabriel
Shannon Gabriel thanked everyone who supported him during his international cricket career. He stated that he would continue playing for domestic and franchise teams around the world after retiring from international cricket.
"Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to God for the numerous blessings and the opportunities my family and I have received during my time playing for the West Indies. Secondly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Cricket West Indies administrators, coaches, and staff members. Words cannot adequately convey the appreciation I have for your hard work and support over the years."
"Last but not least, I am grateful to my teammates and all those who have stood by me and supported me along the way. You have made my journey to the top truly special. Moving forward, I plan to continue representing my country. club, and franchise teams around the world with the same love and passion I have shown throughout my career."
Shannon Gabriel's career had its ups and downs. He was dismissed by Yasir Shah in a crucial Test against Pakistan with just seven balls left to save the match.
The fast bowler also received a four-match ODI ban in 2019 for a homophobic comment made during an exchange with Joe Root.
