Kieron Pollard has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket.
He became renowned for his six-hitting prowess in a 15-year international career for the West Indies. The 34-year-old ends his remarkable innings with 224 ODI and T20I matches to his name without ever having picked up a Test cap – second-most in men's cricket history behind only David Miller.
In total he racked up 2,706 runs for his international side in one-day internationals while also taking 55 wickets in 123 games. In the 101 T20 internationals he also played, he managed 1,569 runs and another 42 wickets.
Pollard is the most capped men's player in the history of West Indies' participation in T20 cricket, and the only player ever to reach a century of games in the format. He took over as captain of both teams in 2019, and now bows out having experienced the "highest honour" of his career.
"After careful deliberation, I've today decided to retire from international cricket," he wrote to begin a lengthy statement on social media. "As is the case of many young persons, it was a dream of mine to represent the West Indies team from the time I was a boy of 10 years and I'm proud to have represented West Indies cricket for over 15 years in both the T20I and ODI forms of the game.
"I can still vividly remember making my international debut in 2007 under the leadership of my childhood hero, Brian Lara. Wearing those maroon colours and playing alongside such greats has been a privilege that I never took lightly, giving my heart and soul in every facet of the game – whether bowling, batting or fielding."
Pollard spoke of the pride he had experienced to lead the West Indies teams in 63 matches, and admitted to being "a hard taskmaster". He went on to thank his team-mates who he believes returned the respect that "has been a guiding principle of mine".
He added: "As I move on and make room for those who will carry the game forward in West Indian colours, know that I will always be supporting in whatever way I can. It is with profound gratitude for living my dream that I now raise my bat in salute to all that is West Indies cricket."
While his international career is now over, fans will still be able to see Pollard in more T20 action. He is currently with the Mumbai Indians playing in the Indian Premier League, having served the franchise for 12 years in which he has won the title five times.
Pollard is also set to play on British shores again after confirming his participation in the Hundred this summer. He will represent the London Spirit, after being given the honour of first pick in the 2022 draft.
