All-rounder Dwayne Bravo played his final international match against Australia in 2021, ending an illustrious career with the West Indies. His last ODI appearance was back in 2014, and his final Test came in 2010, long before franchise cricket dominated the scene as it does today in 2024. Over the years, it’s been widely speculated that players like Bravo, Chris Gayle, and Kieron Pollard opted out of international cricket to focus on lucrative franchise tournaments.
However, Dwayne Bravo has come forward to set the record straight, insisting that this was not the case. Defending his stance, Bravo explained that it wasn’t a matter of choosing franchise cricket over West Indies duties. Instead, he claims the West Indies Cricket Board simply didn’t select him for the national team, despite his willingness to play.
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“I had never ever turned down a West Indies tour or not made myself available for selection to play a franchise tournament. Never ever,” Dwayne Bravo stated, clarifying misconceptions. He further added, “The board painted the picture that we didn’t want to play for West Indies, that we were only interested in leagues. But when you’re not selected, what else can you do but go and play where you are wanted?”
🏏🔗 Dwayne Bravo shares his side of the story.
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Dwayne Bravo’s international record speaks volumes. In 40 Test matches, he scored 2,200 runs at an average of 31.42 and took 86 wickets. Yet, after the series against Sri Lanka in 2010, the board decided against considering him for future Test selections. Bravo expressed his frustration, stating that he had hoped to continue his Test career.
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“My Test career was cut short, not by my choice. I was dropped and never given an opportunity again. I was told two all-rounders couldn’t play in the team, and Darren Sammy was captain. So…” he explained.
The board’s decision forced Bravo to turn to franchise cricket, not out of preference, but out of necessity. His journey is a reminder of the complex dynamics players face in balancing national pride with professional realities.
