'Wasted his peak years for franchise cricket' - Fans react as Andre Russell expresses his desire to play for West Indies in 2024 T20 World Cup

Andre Russell (Source: Twitter)

Hard-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell is ready to give up his franchise league commitments to make himself available to represent his country once again. Russell, who has been a part of various franchise cricket tournaments around the world, has expressed his desire to play for West Indies in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He last played for the Windies in the 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL franchise) star said he is working hard as usual and wants to play a few T20I series to prepare himself for the mega event next year.

"I am available. I want to be a part of the next World Cup so that would be something special to me if they can add me to the squad. I am willing to play a couple of series to make myself available. I am not just going to turn up and say I want to play at the World Cup from nothing at all," Russell told the Jamaica Observer.

I want to be a part of the India series: Andre Russell

The 35-year-old is willing to sacrifice a couple of leagues in order to give his all for his country. The veteran also said that he wants to participate in the five-match T20I series against India starting on August 3.

"I know how everything works; I know I have to sacrifice a couple of leagues in order to play for West Indies. I am willing to do that and try to give them the best chance in the World Cup, and whatever I can contribute in whatever area, I am willing to do it," said Russell.

"There is an India series coming up that I would want to be a part of but no one has said anything to me and I am just minding my own business. I am just doing what I am doing — still training hard," he added.

Meanwhile, the Jamaican cricketer said that he had been in touch with West Indies management but did not get a proper response from them. "I have been trying to let these guys know that I'm still willing to put my body on the line for West Indies cricket but no one has really come to me and said anything to me upfront."

Here's how fans reacted to Andre Russell's statement: 

Bro probably knows kkr is gonna give up on him next year

— Anubhav.. (@Awwnoob) July 18, 2023

Bhai ye Naatak ab Achcha nahi😅….. Russell se bolo wo Wahi Franchise leagues khele wahi Better hai

— Faizan Usmani (@faizanu1999) July 18, 2023

wasted his peak years tho all the best

— MLCricket_FanClub (@MLC_2023) July 18, 2023

LoL he's flopping in every league & franchises want to drop him.
So now he wants to be faithful to his nation 😂

— VroomShasha (@VroomShasha) July 18, 2023

When he was in form, He stopped playing for West indies.
Now he is struggling with his form,and he is ready to play for WI.

Hence prove that Jab Musibat aate hai, Tab Ghar hi sahara bante hai, dosto ka ghar nehi

— Santosh (@SmpPhukan) July 18, 2023

Andre Russell finally found himself well in right and announce his retirement on high. :)

— Dinesh Hari (@ImBlackPantherr) July 18, 2023

Every Caribbean Player Story:
At my peak: Playing Franchise Cricket
At my ending stage: Prefer my Country

— Salman (@salmankashif07) July 18, 2023

Russell knows his Importance in Leagues are going to decrease as he's becoming Non Performing Asset day by day !

It's his brand value what has still made him Relevant among the current big names!

— Tanmoy Chakraborty🩺⚕️ (@Tanmoycv01) July 18, 2023

In 2024 , finished player.
Even now his form is pathetic no where to near peak of 2016-19

— Satya P Singh(spbtctrade) (@spsinghweb) July 18, 2023

after wasting peak years for franchise cricket, now he wants to play for WI

— Sultan Khan (@MainHoonSultan7) July 18, 2023