Kieron Pollard retires from international cricket

The allrounder, who captained West Indies in 61 matches across both white-ball formats, has called time on his international career

Kieron Pollard has retired from international cricket, 15 years after his first ODI appearance.

West Indies' white-ball captain, who is currently representing Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, announced his decision on social media.

"After careful deliberation I've today decided to retire from international cricket," he said in an Instagram post. "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 T20 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.

"In 2019, I was asked by Cricket West Indies to lead both the T20I and ODI West Indies teams, which to date is the highest honour bestowed on me and for which I will forever be grateful.

^{Pollard has ended his 15-year international career (Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)}

"As captain, I believe that I have led with passion, openness, courage and everything I could ever possibly give both on and off the field without ever compromising my principles and integrity. I know some of my teammates believe that I am a hard taskmaster and I like to see things done professionally, and that is true, but I also believe in being selfless and creating the environment for individuals to succeed.

"Respect for my teammates has been a guiding principle of mine and in turn I have always felt that reciprocated. This made my job all the more enjoyable and rewarding. For their support, I am ever thankful to all my teammates over the years, both as a player and as captain, and wish each of them continued success in the years ahead."

He added: "I am grateful to the various selectors, management team and in particular, coach Phil Simmons for seeing potential in me and for the faith they steadfastly had in me throughout my career.

"This and the confidence Cricket West Indies showed in me was particularly reassuring as I stepped up to take on the challenge of leading the team. I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the president of CWI, Mr. Ricky Skerritt, for his unwavering support and encouragement especially during my time as captain."

^{Pollard made his international debut in 2007 under Brian Lara's captaincy (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)}

Pollard won 123 ODI caps and 101 more in T20Is. Under Lara, he made his 50-over debut against South Africa in 2007, before being handed his T20I bow in the following year. He was part of the team that won the World T20 in 2012, beating Sri Lanka in the final.

He never featured in a Test and has only played 27 first-class matches across his glittering career, instead becoming one of the sport's all-time T20 greats: no one has played more matches in the format.

His international career came to a halt for two years in 2014 after a dispute with the national governing body and players' association, but he returned in 2016 – shortly after West Indies had beaten England to win their second World T20 crown – and then took over the reins three years later. As captain across two formats, he oversaw 61 matches, winning 25.

His retirement may come as a boost to London Spirit, who signed him up as their first Hundred draft pick in early April. It was assumed then that he would be largely unavailable, with West Indies scheduled to face New Zealand in August. Even without that commitment, however, the Caribbean Premier League is due to begin at the end of August, with Pollard joined by West Indies stars Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine and new signing Andre Russell at Trinbago Knight Riders.