West Indies legend Dwayne Bravo retires from all forms of cricket

Before the current CPL season began, Bravo had announced that this would be his final tournament

PHOTO: AFP

Dwayne Bravo, the all-time leading wicket-taker in T20 cricket, has officially retired from all forms of the game. The 40-year-old West Indian announced his decision after an injury cut short his final season in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Bravo, who has taken 631 wickets in 582 T20 matches, confirmed his retirement in an emotional Instagram post.

"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. So, with a heavy heart, I officially announce my retirement from the sport. Today, the Champion bids farewell," Bravo wrote on Instagram.

Having already retired from international cricket in 2021 and stepping away from the Indian Premier League (IPL) last year, Bravo had been transitioning into coaching. Over the past year, he has worked with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Afghanistan men's team. However, his playing career came to an end after suffering a groin injury during a CPL match against St Lucia Kings.

Bravo's career in T20 cricket has been legendary. He won multiple titles, including the IPL, Pakistan Super League (PSL), and Big Bash League (BBL), and was a two-time T20 World Cup champion with the West Indies. He is second only to Kieron Pollard in total T20 appearances and titles won, and he finishes as the most successful player in CPL history, with five championships, including three with Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR).

Before the current CPL season began, Bravo had announced that this would be his final tournament. Although he was set to play in the upcoming ILT20 league in the UAE, he chose to retire following his injury.

Throughout his career, Bravo became known for nurturing young talent, much like his former CSK captain, MS Dhoni. He played a key role in the development of all-rounder Dominic Drakes, who won Player of the Match in the 2021 CPL final under Bravo's guidance. He also worked closely with USA fast bowler Ali Khan, who became a regular death bowler for TKR thanks to Bravo’s mentorship.