PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Dwayne Bravo has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, following a premature end to his final Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season due to injury.

Bravo, who turns 41 next month, retires as the highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket history. The West Indian all-rounder had already stepped back from international cricket in 2021 and ended his Indian Premier League (IPL) career last year, shifting his focus toward coaching.

Over the past year, Bravo has been involved with coaching stints for both Chennai Super Kings and the Afghanistan men’s team.

In an emotional Instagram post, Bravo expressed the difficult decision. “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’s illustrious 18-year career in T20 cricket set benchmarks globally, with the Trinidadian winning numerous titles across leagues such as the IPL, Pakistan Super League (PSL), and Big Bash League (BBL).

He also played a pivotal role in the West Indies’ two T20 World Cup triumphs. Bravo ends his career with 631 wickets from 582 T20 appearances, second only to fellow West Indian Kieron Pollard. Pollard has played 684 T20 matches.

Having announced earlier that the 2023 CPL would be his final season, Bravo’s journey was cut short by a groin injury sustained in a match against the St Lucia Kings in Tarouba on Tuesday.

He had also been scheduled to play in the third season of the UAE’s ILT20 with MI Emirates but has chosen to bring his storied career to a close instead.

Bravo retires as the most decorated player in CPL history, with five titles to his name, including three with the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR). He notably led TKR to back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018 before guiding the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots to their maiden title in 2021.