Deandra Dottin retires from international cricket

The West Indian all-rounder Deandra Dottin has declared her retirement from international cricket. Only a few hours had passed since Barbados' nine-wicket Commonwealth Games defeat to Australia. Dottin scored a 22-ball 8 in the game but gave up 25 runs in the one over she bowled.

In her retirement note, posted on Twitter, Dottin wrote, "There have been many obstacles during my cricket career that I have had to overcome, however, the current climate and team environment has been non-conductive (conducive) to my ability to thrive and reignite my passion.

She further went on to add, "With much sadness but without regret, I realize I am no longer able to adhere to team culture and team environment as it has undermined my ability to perform excellently."

The 31-year-old, who has participated in 146 ODIs and 126 T20Is since her 2008 debut, was one of the most devastating players in the women's game when she was at her peak, both with the bat and the ball.

Her bowling was frequently limited over a career marred by injury, but she still managed to take 72 and 62 wickets in ODIs and T20Is, respectively. She scored 2697 and 3727 runs as a batter, respectively.

The full retirement note read, "Please accept this letter as my formal retirement from senior women's West Indies team effective 1st July (August) 2022. This announcement has come with much contemplation as cricket has always been a passion of mine. However, when the passion burns out, one has to take time to reassess their commitment. There have been many obstacles during my cricket career that I have had to overcome, however, the current climate and team environment has been non-conductive (conducive) to my ability to thrive and reignite my passion.

"I am appreciate (appreciative) of the opportunities afforded to me and I have ruminated on my decision over a period of time. Playing for the West Indies and representing the region has been an honour. During my 14 years of playing, I have trained at my best and grown as a player physically, mentally and emotionally. It is the combination of this growth that has assisted me in reflecting on what is truly important to me. With much sadness but without regret, I realize I am no longer able to adhere to team culture and team environment as it has undermined my ability to perform excellently."

Dottin's availability for Barbados' last CWG group-stage match against India, which must be won by both sides to advance, is still unclear. She has, however, made it clear that she will continue to be ready to play domestic cricket wherever in the world.