Former West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard has announced his retirement from International Cricket via social media.
The post read as follows:
After careful deliberation, I have today decided to retire from international cricket.
As is the case for 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 am 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.
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. 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 and teams 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.
I am grateful to the various selectors, management teams 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 CW, Mr. Ricky Skerritt, for his unwavering support and encouragement especially during my time as Captain.
As with many sports, there are highs and lows, but throughout it all, I have always felt the unwavering support and love of the fans of West Indies cricket who understand the importance of this great sport to the people of the Caribbean. I look forward to this continuing as their role as faithful supporters of West Indies cricket will always be critical to the success of our teams in the future.
Sometimes people see the role of a professional cricketer as being something glamorous and while there is that aspect of it, there are many sacrifices that sportsmen have to make to play at an international level. Being away from home and family has never been easy, but I can say that I have always had the solid support of my family. My stepfather, mother, sister and other members of my family have stood by me and encouraged me over the years and most certainly helped to mould me into the person I am today while playing this beautiful game that I love.
However, words cannot do justice to the unconditional love, and understanding of my dear wife, Jenna and our three children. I have been blessed to have them in my life. They provided the motivation for me to work even harder and to try to be the kind of person of whom they could be proud. I am looking forward to seeing more of my family and enjoying quality time with them as I bid farewell to this chapter of my life and move on to the next.
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.
Pollard made over 4,000 runs in International Cricket (ODI & T20I) and captured nearly 100 wickets across formats, having made his debut in 2007.
