Sunil Narine insists 'door is now closed' on return to international cricket with West Indies

By SABC Sport
23rd April 2024

Sunil Narine has ruled himself out of a recall to international cricket to play for the West Indies at the T20 World Cup later this year.

The 35-year-old Narine has been in scintillating form for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with him currently leading the tournament's MVP standings.

The all-rounder recently hit his maiden T20 century, 109 not out off 56 balls against Rajasthan Royals, while he is also his team's leading wicket-taker with nine scalps.

There have been suggestions that Narine could play for the Windies at the global tournament that will take place in the Caribbean and USA.

Narine, who called time on his career with the West Indies in November 2023 having not played for them since 2019, has now however put out a statement stating that the "door is now closed" on a return to international cricket.

Narine wrote: "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.

"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."