WI great Dwayne Bravo retires from all forms of cricket: Champion bids farewell
Veteran West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, just days before his 41st birthday.
The highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket history, Bravo’s illustrious 21-year career came to an end after a recent injury during the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which cut short his final appearance on the field.
Bravo, who hobbled to bat at No. 11 for the Trinbago Knight Riders in their match against the Saint Lucia Kings, sustained an injury while fielding, immediately signaling the end of his CPL campaign and, ultimately, his playing career. In an emotional Instagram post late Thursday (September 26), Bravo expressed his gratitude for the game that defined his life and career.
“Twenty-one years as a professional cricketer – it’s been an incredible journey, filled with many highs and a few lows,” Bravo wrote. “As much as I’d love to continue this relationship, it’s time to face reality. My mind wants to keep going, but my body can no longer endure the pain, the breakdowns, and the strain. I can’t put myself in a position where I might let down my teammates, my fans, or the teams I represent.”
The 40-year-old had already declared that this CPL season would be his last, and although he was retained by MI Emirates for the ILT20, the latest injury has put an end to any hopes of further participation. Bravo’s heartfelt farewell to cricket marked the end of an era for the “Champion,” as he bid adieu to the sport that shaped his life.
“I had no interest in anything else, and I dedicated my entire life to you,” Bravo wrote. “In return, you gave me the life I dreamed of for myself and my family. For that, I can’t thank you enough… So, with a heavy heart, I officially announce my retirement from the sport. Today, the Champion bids farewell.”
Bravo’s cricketing legacy is unparalleled. A five-time CPL champion, he won three titles with the Trinbago Knight Riders, including back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018, and led the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots to victory in 2021. His success extended globally with multiple IPL, PSL, and BBL trophies to his name, solidifying his place as one of the greatest T20 players of all time.
Bravo’s final statistics reflect his dominance in the game: 631 wickets, the most by any player in T20 history, along with 177 first-class wickets and 271 List-A dismissals in a career that spanned over 900 matches across formats. After retiring from international cricket in 2021, Bravo transitioned into coaching, serving as a bowling consultant for Chennai Super Kings and Afghanistan’s team ahead of the T20 World