West Indies women’s all-rounder Deandra Dottin has unexpectedly returned from retirement, expressing her enthusiasm to rejoin the sport she loves. Dottin has made herself available once more for the West Indies Women’s Cricket Team.
This development comes nearly two years after her sudden departure from international cricket while captaining Barbados at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The 33-year-old had announced her retirement in August 2022, citing an adverse team environment as the reason for her decision.
West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin reverses retirement decision; Cricket West Indies (CWI) expresses elation
Dottin had claimed that the negative team environment hindered her performance and diminished her passion for the game. She had mentioned that the “current team environment” was “non-conducive to her ability to thrive and reignite her passion” for the game.
In a letter to Cricket West Indies (CWI), Dottin announced her decision to come out of retirement. This move is a significant boost for the West Indies women’s cricket team as they prepare for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh later this year.
According to BBC Sport, Deandra Dottin wrote in her letter to CWI: “Representing the West Indies in international cricket has always been a matter of great pride and passion for me. After a period of reflection and thoughtful dialogue with various parties within Cricket West Indies, including Cricket West Indies President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, 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.”
Dottin further noted, “I am confident that my experience, maturity, and skills will add value to the team as it has done in the past, and I am prepared to furnish my best efforts in every match and training session to ensure the team’s winning trajectory in international cricket. Moreover, I am enthusiastic about mentoring younger players and contributing to the overall development of women’s cricket in our region.”
CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe CWI welcomed Dottin’s decision by saying that they are really pleased with her decision to return to international cricket and be eligible for the selection. Bascombe added that the veteran all-rounder could certainly add significant value to the West Indies women’s teams with her immense ability and experience.
Deandra Dottin set for WCPL 2024 action for Trinbago Knight Riders
Meanwhile, after she retired from international cricket, Deandra Dottin remained active in T20 leagues but hasn’t played competitive cricket since September 2023. Now, the star all-rounder will be seen in action in the upcoming Women’s Caribbean Premier League 2024 (WCPL 2024), where she will lead the Trinbago Knight Riders.
After the upcoming WCPL 2024, the CWI will hold a training camp for the women’s team in August, leading up to the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh. She will be available for the West Indies for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in October, where the team will face England, Scotland, South Africa, and hosts Bangladesh in Group B.
Dottin, one of the top female all-rounders of the 21st century, has played 143 ODIs for the West Indies women’s cricket team, amassing 3,727 runs and taking 72 wickets. In her 127 T20I appearances, she has scored 2,697 runs and claimed 62 wickets.
