(Cricket News) After failing to make the West Indies squad for their three-match ODI series against England next month, Darren Bravo has made the decision to take a break from cricket. The 34-year-old, who last played for the West Indies in February 2022, was left out despite leading the run charts in the 2023–24 Super50 Cup with 416 runs at an average of 83.20. Bravo’s intended length of leave from the game is unknown.
“At this point in my career it is not easy or should I say it takes a lot to continue to find the energy, the passion, commitment and discipline to be able to perform to the best of my ability and put myself in a position to make my return to international cricket,” Bravo wrote on Instagram. “I have taken some time to ponder and wonder what is my next step moving forward as a cricketer.”
Bravo has not been included in the West Indies Academy squad that is playing a home series against Ireland Academy or the West Indies A squad that is traveling to South Africa for three unofficial Test matches, aside from the senior ODI team.
Since making his debut for the West Indies in 2009, Bravo has participated in 56 Tests, 122 ODIs, and 26 T20Is. Chief selector Desmond Haynes justified Bravo’s exclusion by stating that the team wanted to give younger bats like Alick Athanaze and Keacy Carty longer runs, especially since the next ODI World Cup is four years away. However, the decision has not been well received by all parties.
The selectors have been accused of “mistreatment, disrespect and dishonesty towards players” by Bravo’s older brother Dwayne, a former West Indies captain. The West Indies-England series will begin in Antigua on December 3 and 6, and end in Barbados on December 9. The teams will also play five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in Barbados, Grenada, and Trinidad from December 12 to 21.
See more: IPL 2024: Complete List of Players Retained and Released.
