On Monday, West Indian all-rounder Deandra Dottin announced her immediate farewell from international cricket (August 1). 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.
Dottin’s Twitter tweet announcing her retirement stated, “There have been many challenges I’ve had to face during my time playing cricket, but the present atmosphere and team culture haven’t been beneficial to my ability to thrive and rekindle my enthusiasm.
“With great pain but without remorse,” she said, “I recognise I become no longer able to adhere to winning culture and atmosphere as it has hampered my capacity to perform brilliantly.”
The 31-year-old, whom have 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.
Please accept the following letter as my my resignation from the senior women’s West Indies squad, effective July (or August) 1, 2022. I’ve given this announcement a lot of thought since I’ve always had a passion for cricket. However, one has to take some time to reevaluate their commitment when the desire fades. My cricket career has been filled with challenges that I’ve had to overcome, but the present environment and team culture haven’t been beneficial to my success and reigniting my enthusiasm.
“I have given my choice some thought and am grateful for the possibilities that have been presented to me. It has been an honour to represent the West Indies and play for them.
I’ve put in my best training efforts and improved as a player physically, psychologically, and emotionally over my 14 years of competition. This mix of development has made it easier for me to consider what matters to me most in life.
I recognise, with great grief but without remorse, that my capacity to function well has been hindered by my continued adherence to team culture and surroundings.”
Dottin’s availability for Barbados’ last CWG group-stage match against India, which must be won by both sides to advance, is still unknown. She has, however, made it clear that she will continue to be ready to play domestic cricket wherever in the world.
