‘Let your team qualify first’ – Fans react as Andre Russell is willing to give up his franchise commitments for West Indies

Andre Russell is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in the history of T20 cricket, known for his power-hitting and wicket-taking abilities. Russell has won many a match by himself with his supreme finishing abilities from unlikely scenarios. He can also bowl in middle overs, where he can provide wickets despite going for some runs.

In his prime, Russell was a beast. The Jamaican player could singlehandedly win the games with the bat. With the ball, the 35-year-old was very useful in breaking partnerships. In his career, Russell has represented many teams in various T20 Leagues like Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Melbourne Renegades, Multan Sultans, Quetta Gladiators, Sydney Thunder, Trinbago Knight Riders, Los Angeles Knight Riders, Jamaica Tallawahs, and so on.

Russell has been a valuable player for all the teams he has played in till now. Despite being injury prone, the All-rounder has always come back in a resounding way. In the Indian Premier League, Russell is one of the few players to win the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament award more than once. Despite all the achievements for his league teams, Russell could not have a longer career for West Indies, his national team.

Andre Russell ready to give up franchise engagements

The dangerous batter has played only 56 One Day internationals for West Indies. The medium pacer has played 67 T20I matches for the Caribbean side. Russell also played a Test match for West Indies, way back in 2010. Russell last played a T20I for West Indies in 2021. In ODIs, Russell has not played a game after the 2019 ODI World Cup.

Wonder how Russell could not play a lot of games for West Indies. Or for that matter, many other players like Sunil Narine, Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, and others too could not. Reportedly, Andre Russell has said that he is willing to give up franchise engagements to be available for West Indies in the 2024 T20 World Cup. If everything goes well, Russell might play again for the men in maroon.

Here’s how the fans reacted to Russell’s will –