Former West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine announced the decision regarding his participation in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup which will be played in the Caribbean and the United States from June 1.
Narine, 35, called time on his international career in November 2023 and has been actively playing league cricket since then. Currently representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, he has been delivering with the ball as well as the bat.
Narine hit his maiden T20 century against Rajasthan Royals earlier, scoring 109 not out on just 56 balls and is one the leading run-scorers of the tournament with 286 runs in seven innings at an impressive strike rate of 176.54.
Not just that, he is also the leading wicket-taker for KKR with nine scalps at an economy of 7.10. Following his spectacular form in the IPL, rumours emerged that Narine could be in contention for the World Cup but the 35-year-old has shut down the reports confirming the door to international cricket is closed.
"I'm truly flattered and humbled that my performances recently have moved many people to publicly express their wish for me to come out of retirement and play in the upcoming T20 World Cup," Narine wrote in a statement issued by KKR.
"I have made peace with that decision and whilst I never wish to disappoint, that door is now closed and I will be supporting the guys who take the field in June for West Indies.
"Guys who have worked hard for the past few months and deserve to show our wonderful fans that they are capable of winning another title - I wish you all the best."
Earlier, West Indies’ T20I captain Rovman Powell had stated that he was trying to convince Narine for the World Cup.
"For the last 12 months, I've been whispering in his [Narine'] ears, but he's blocked out everyone," Powell was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.
"I've asked [Kieron] Pollard, [Dwayne] Bravo, [Nicholas] Pooran. Hopefully, before they select the team, they can crack his code."
