Sunil Narine has provided a fresh update on his international retirement, ruling out any possibility of a return to the West Indies. The mystery spinner revealed why he turned down a call from Kieron Pollard ahead of the T20 World Cup 2021, saying that he has no plans to return to international cricket.
The 38-year-old announced his retirement from international cricket in November 2023. He last played for the West Indies in a T20I against India in August 2019. Despite repeated attempts to convince him to return for major tournaments, Narine has remained focused on his franchise cricket commitments.
Sunil Narine Reveals Why He Turned Down West Indies Return
Sunil Narine has explained why he turned down a chance to return to international cricket when former white-ball captain Kieron Pollard approached him during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE.
“To be honest, I was asked when they had it in Dubai. And it’s the first time I probably ever told Polly, ‘I’d know,’ because mentally, I was already home. And I just felt like the guys who have actually played to be there should be there."
"Because guys are working hard to play for the West Indies. They’re playing all these series for the West Indies, and then when it comes to the World Cup, they just pick two or three other players. And I think that is where Akeal actually got the opportunity.”
Sunil Narine’s International Record and T20 World Cup Triumph
Sunil Narine made his international debut in December 2011 in an ODI against India in Ahmedabad before making his T20I debut against Australia in March 2012. He made his Test debut against England in Birmingham later in 2012 and played his final Test against New Zealand in Hamilton in 2013.
In his Test career, Narine took 21 wickets in six matches at an average of 40.52 and an economy rate of 3.09. He was more effective in ODIs, claiming 92 wickets in 65 matches at an economy rate of 4.12. His final ODI appearance came against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in 2016.
Narine played 51 T20Is for the West Indies and took 52 wickets at an average of 21.25 and an economy rate of 6.01. He was part of the 2012 World Cup, where he took nine wickets to help the West Indies win the title. The spinner also had to remodel his bowling action during his career.
Sunil Narine’s Strong CPL 2026 Form
Although retired from international cricket, Sunil Narine remains active in franchise cricket. He recently reached the 650-wicket milestone in T20 cricket, joining Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan among the leading wicket-takers in the format.
Narine has made a strong start to the CPL 2026 season. On August 28, he won the Player of the Match award against the Barbados Tridents after scoring 55 off 33 balls and taking 2/14. He followed it with another quickfire knock, smashing 53 off 24 balls against the Jamaica Kingsmen on August 29.
Trinbago Knight Riders will next face Guyana Amazon Warriors at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. Narine will remain an important player as both an opening batter and frontline spinner.
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