Veteran all-rounder Deandra Dottin has made the incredible and unexpected decision to come out of retirement for West Indian cricket. This news coincides with the ninth Women’s T20 World Cup, which is set to take place in Bangladesh later this year.
When Dottin announced her retirement a few years ago, nobody saw it coming. She was worried about a team culture that she didn’t think would help her develop as a cricket player and find her passion again.
Dottin, who has played for the West Indies in 143 ODIs and 127 T20Is, wrote a statement to Cricket West Indies stating that she has always been extremely proud and enthusiastic about representing her country. Following a protracted time of introspection and in-depth talks with a number of Cricket West Indies stakeholders, including President Dr. Kishore Shallow, she said she was happy to declare her desire to get back into the game she loves the most. She also expressed her willingness to immediately contribute to the team in all formats.
Being a West Indian cricket representative has always been a source of immense pride and enthusiasm for me. As reported, Dottin wrote a letter to Cricket West Indies, “I am pleased to inform you that I am eager to return to the game that I love, and contribute my utmost to the West Indies women’s team across all formats, with immediate effect, after a period of reflection and thoughtful dialogue with various parties within Cricket West Indies, including Cricket West Indies President, Dr. Kishore Shallow.”
She also assured them in her letter that her broad experience, sophisticated knowledge, and skilled ability would be of great use to the group, as they have been in the past. She declared that she will do everything in her power to improve the team’s performance on the global arena. She also expressed her passionate desire to coach young players and further the general development of women’s cricket in her area.
“I’m sure that my maturity, experience, and abilities will benefit the team as they have in the past, and I’m ready to give it my all in every practice and game to guarantee the team’s successful trajectory in international cricket. Additionally, I’m excited to coach upcoming players and advance women’s cricket in our area as a whole,” Dottin continued.
The record for the fastest century in women’s T20Is is held by Dottin, one of the most renowned players in West Indian history. It’s interesting to note that this accomplishment occurred during the tournament’s 2010 Caribbean-hosted edition.