West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has expressed his keenness to represent West Indies at the T20 World Cup 2022, but added that the country’s cricket board should agree to his terms.
Russell, who last played for West Indies in last year’s ICC T20 World Cup, further said that he wishes to win the World Cup for his country.
“I always want to play and give back. But at the end of the day, if we are not agreeing on certain terms…they (CWI) have to respect my terms as well. At the end of the day, it is what it is,” Russell said while speaking to former team-mate Daren Sammy for Sky Sports.
“We have families and we have to make sure that we give our best opportunity while we have one career. It’s not like I can start over again. I’m 34 and I want to win another World Cup — or two more — for West Indies because at the end of the day, I’m here now, and I’m just taking it day by day," he added.
Russell’s comments come in the wake of West Indies coach Phil Simmons’ statement at the non-availability of key players.
"It hurts. There's no other way to put it. But what can you do? I don't think that I should be begging people to play for their countries. I think if you want to represent West Indies, you will make yourself available," Simmons said last week.
However, Russell insists he wants to get involved in the preparations for the T20 World Cup 2022.
“Of course, of course. The maroon is all over. Honestly, I have two franchise hundreds and I wish those hundreds were actually playing for West Indies. I don’t regret saying this just now. I really enjoyed playing for Jamaica Tallawahs but those two hundreds, it would be more special coming in international cricket," he remarked.
Andre Russell has played one Test, 56 ODIs and 67 T20Is so far. He was instrumental in West Indies’ two T20 World Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2016.
(With IANS inputs)