Russell's retirement comes just months ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has decided to hang up his boots from international cricket in the upcoming five-T20I series against Australia at home.
Russell, 37, has been included in the squad for the series, and the first two matches, taking place at his home ground of Sabina Park in Jamaica, will be his final appearances for the Caribbean side.
Windies Cricket revealed the news of his retirement with a tribute post.
“Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life. When I was a kid, I did not expect to get to this level, but the more you start to play and get to love the sport, you realize what you can achieve. This inspired me to become better because I wanted to leave a mark in the maroon colours and become an inspiration to others,” Russell said in a statement.
“I love playing for the West Indies and I love playing at home in front of my family and friends where I get to showcase my talent and produce more high-quality performances. I want to finish my international career on a high while being a role model for the next generation of cricketers coming out of the Caribbean,” he added.
Russell has only played T20Is for the West Indies since 2019. He has featured in 84 matches, scoring 1,078 runs at an average of 22.00 and a strike rate of 163.08, including three half-centuries. With the ball, he has claimed 61 scalps at an average of 30.59 and an economy rate of 9.30.
His retirement comes just months ahead of the next ICC T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026. Russell is the second leading player to retire from West Indies recently, after Nicholas Pooran called time on his international career at the age of 29.
Russell represented the West Indies in just one Test match during his career. He also played 56 ODIs, scoring 1,034 runs at an average of 27.21 and a strike rate above 130. He had four half-centuries in ODIs, with a top score of 92 not out. He also took 70 wickets in the format, with best figures of 4/35.
West Indies squad for T20Is against Australia:
Shai Hope (capt), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.