Veteran West Indies Batter Lendl Simmons Announces Retirement from International Cricket

Tuesday marked the conclusion of Lendl Simmons‘ 16-year international career as a veteran West Indies batsman. In a lengthy post on his social media accounts, he confirmed the news and promised to keep supporting franchise cricket. 

After colleague and wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Ramdin announced his retirement from international cricket, Simmons made the same choice. Ben Stokes, an all-rounder for England, made a similar announcement earlier on Monday, saying he will stop playing ODIs on Tuesday following his final match against South Africa and instead concentrate on Tests and T20s. 

Simmons played 8 Tests, 68 ODIs, and 68 T20 Internationals during the course of his 16-year international career, totalling 3763 runs in all three forms. In 2006, he played his first ODI in Faisalabad against Pakistan. He totalled 1958 runs in ODIs, including two centuries. 

Lendl Simmons’ Retirement Post On Social Media

Lendl Simmons expressed his gratitude to his friends, family, and supporters on social media for supporting him throughout his career. 

pic.twitter.com/ORW4JXlKYN

— Lendl Simmons (@54simmo) July 18, 2022

“When I wore the Maroon Colours of the West Indies Cricket for the first time on debut in ODIs on December 7th, 2006, little did know that my international career would have lasted 16 years but my passion and love for the sport fuelled me every day.

I’m closing this chapter of International Cricket having played 144 matches and scoring 3,763 runs from all formats. I want to thank the West Indies Cricket Team for the opportunities and wish the new crop of WI players all the best and to keep on believing in yourselves and your abilities. 

“My family and friends are my true motivators as they kept me inspired for so long. Now, have the time to be one cheering them on the sidelines. I really hope that represented them well because! did it for them. There were times when the odds were against me, but you stood tall alongside me.

Of course, the FANS, whenever we meet in person, cheering on in the stands or messages on social media. Despite the ups and downs, y’all gave me the energy that was needed to bat on for so long.

To the youngsters, don’t be ashamed to dream big but it takes a lot of determination, focus and a strong mind to get over the numerous hurdles but it is all worth it in the end,” Simmons wrote. 

Lendl Simmons has also had an impressive career playing for many franchise teams, including Sylhet Sunrisers, Karachi Kings, Trinbago Knight Riders, and Mumbai Indians in the BPL, PSL, CPL, and IPL respectively. He is the leading run-getter in CPL history with 2629 runs from 91 innings, 20 half-centuries included. 

Also Read: IND vs ENG: “He Challenged Himself Mentally” – Pragyan Ojha Dissects Rishabh Pant’s Mature Hundred In 3rd ODI vs England