West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a 12-year career that saw him become a key player in the West Indies pace attack. Gabriel shared the news on his Instagram, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country at the highest level.
Gabriel, 36, played 86 international matches for the West Indies, with 59 of those appearances in Test cricket. He made his Test debut at Lord’s in 2012 and quickly established himself as a reliable and powerful fast bowler. Over the course of his career, Gabriel took 166 Test wickets at an average of 32.21, including six five-wicket hauls. His standout performance came in 2018 against Sri Lanka, where he took 13 wickets for 121 runs, marking the fourth-best match figures for a West Indian bowler.
Reflecting on his career, Gabriel wrote, “Playing this beloved game at the highest level has brought me immense joy, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.” He also expressed his deep appreciation for the support he received from Cricket West Indies, his teammates, and his fans throughout his career.
Despite the highs, Gabriel’s career also had its challenging moments. He was notably dismissed by Yasir Shah in a crucial Test against Pakistan in 2017, and in 2019, he faced a ban for using inappropriate language during a match against England.