Deandra Dottin, the former West Indies captain, has made a triumphant return to international cricket, putting an end to her self-imposed retirement. The announcement came in a statement from the West Indies Cricket Board, confirming her availability for selection across all formats for the West Indies Women’s team.
Dottin last donned the West Indies colors in 2022, but her impact on the sport remains undeniable. She boasts an impressive record in international cricket, having participated in 270 matches across the two white-ball formats, leaving an indelible mark on the game. She is particularly renowned for her explosive batting abilities, earning the distinction of registering the first-ever century in Women’s T20I history. Her batting prowess is further complemented by her handy medium pace bowling skills, adding another dimension to her game.
Dottin’s decision to step away from international cricket in 2022 was prompted by differences with the board, stemming from their approach to managing the team’s affairs. “Certain people take things different, so it is a lot of work that West Indies Cricket will need to be done and I think they need to do it as fast as possible because it’s not going to end well for West Indies Cricket or cricket in the Caribbean,” she had stated at the time.
However, following a period of reflection and constructive discussions with various stakeholders within Cricket West Indies, including President Dr. Kishore Shallow, Dottin has decided to rejoin the team. “Representing 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 said in the statement.
Dottin’s return is a significant boost for the West Indies Women’s team as they gear up for upcoming challenges. She is set to feature for the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League, followed by a training camp for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Her experience, skillset, and passion for the game will be invaluable assets to the team as they aim to achieve success on the international stage.
