Dwayne Bravo has officially retired from all cricket after an illustrious career, following the early end of his final CPL season due to injury.
Approaching his 41st birthday, Bravo retires as the leading wicket-taker in T20 history. Having already stepped away from international cricket in 2021 and the IPL last year, he has since transitioned into coaching roles with Chennai Super Kings and the Afghanistan men’s team.
In an Instagram post, Bravo expressed that while his mind was still eager to continue playing, his body could no longer handle the physical toll. He acknowledged that he could no longer risk letting down his teammates, fans, or the teams he represents, saying, “With a heavy heart, I officially announce my retirement from the sport. Today, the Champion says goodbye.”
Throughout his 18-year career, Bravo set the standard for T20 cricket, winning titles in the IPL, PSL, and Big Bash, and twice lifting the World Cup with the West Indies. His remarkable career saw him claim 631 wickets from 582 matches, second only to his West Indian teammate, Kieron Pollard, in terms of appearances.
Before the current CPL season, Bravo had already announced that it would be his last. Initially set to play in the third season of the UAE’s ILT20, retained by MI Emirates, he has now decided to retire following a groin injury he sustained against the St Lucia Kings in Tarouba.
Bravo’s decorated CPL career includes five titles, three of which were with Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR). He led TKR to consecutive titles in 2017 and 2018 before captaining the Patriots to their first title in 2021. Known for nurturing young talent across various T20 leagues, Bravo played a pivotal role in mentoring players, much like MS Dhoni’s role at Chennai Super Kings.
In CPL 2021, Bravo mentored allrounder Dominic Drakes, who went on to become the Player of the Match in the CPL final that year. Drakes continued to work with Bravo across other leagues, including the IPL and T10. Bravo also helped USA fast bowler Ali Khan rise through the ranks, having first spotted him at the US Open T20 tournament. He later recruited Khan to the Global T20 Canada’s Winnipeg Hawks and recommended him to TKR.
Bravo’s legacy as a player and mentor will be remembered across the globe, with his influence felt not only through his achievements but through the young talents he has helped shape.