Sunil Narine rules out the international return for the ODI World Series

The Kolkata opener, who hung his boots from international cricket in November 2023, has ruled out the possibility of a potential return in international cricket for the forthcoming T20 World Cup. 

The hard hitting all rounder who last played for the West Indies in August 2019 and announced his retirement in November 2024, had hinted at a return to the international circuit after registering his maiden hundred this Ind T20 League season. "It is what it is but we will have to see what the future holds," he told the broadcaster during a sideline chat when asked about a possible comeback for the West Indies. 

It had led to West Indies skipper Rovman Powell also admitting how he had been “whispering in the ears" of Narine to walk out of retirement for nearly 12 months. 

But now via a statement through Kolkata, Narine has addressed the speculations about him coming out of retirement and confirmed that the “door is now 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 said in the statement.

"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," he added.