FORMER Jamaica players Nikita Miller and Andrew Richardson have hailed the influence of West Indies Twenty20 (T20) cricket icon Dwayne Bravo, after the charismatic all-rounder announced his immediate retirement from the sport.

Bravo, a match winner with bat or ball in hand and as a fielder, had previously said the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) – which is currently ongoing — would have been his last season in the competition. But injury while playing for Trinbago Knight Riders against St Lucia Kings on Tuesday forced his hand.

“He was top class,” Miller, the former spin bowler-turned-coach, said of the 40-year-old Trinidadian on Thursday.

“With over 600 wickets, nearly 7000 runs, and almost 300 catches in T20 cricket he was a captain’s dream when he wasn’t the captain. A match winner!

“Happy retirement, ‘Sir Champion’! It was a pleasure taking the field of play with you as a rival and a teammate. Best wishes on your future endeavours,” Miller, 42, told the
Jamaica Observer in an open message to Bravo.

Former fast bowler Richardson, another of Bravo’s regional cricket contemporaries, recounted the two crossing paths as youngsters.

“The first time I saw him, he was a 17-year-old in the Trinidad North/South classic. I have played many matches against him in various formats. What stands out in his illustrious career is that he always found a way to impact each game — and he certainly entertained,” Richardson, 43, told the Observer.

“He is certainly one the best in all formats but his T20 achievements are simply outstanding. It is great to see him influencing and mentoring the next generation of all-rounders with his tactical advice and game-winning strategies,” he added.

On Thursday Bravo scripted an emotional post on social media signalling he had reached the end of a triumphant road.

“My mind wants to keep going but my body can no longer endure the pain, the breakdowns, and the strain,” he said.

“I can’t put myself in a position where I might let down my teammates, my fans, or the teams I represent. So, with a heavy heart, I officially announce my retirement from the sport. Today, the Champion bids farewell.”

Bravo, who turns 41 in October, leaves the game as the highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket history. He had stepped back from international cricket in 2021, and concluded his Indian Premier League (IPL) career last year, turning his attention to coaching.

Bravo played 40 Test matches for West Indies between 2004 and 2010, averaging 31.42 with three centuries as a flamboyant, middle-order batsman.

His pace bowling brought him 86 wickets at 39.83, with a best of 6-55.

He also excelled in One-Day International cricket, playing 164 matches for the West Indies.

But his star shone brightest in the T20 format, tailor-made for his jaw-dropping athleticism and outstanding all-round abilities.

He played a pivotal role in the West Indies team’s 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cup triumphs, and won numerous titles across franchise leagues including the CPL, IPL, Pakistan Super League (PSL), and Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).

In 582 T20 matches Bravo scored 6970 runs at a strike rate of 125.44. He claimed 631 wickets at an economy rate of 8.26 and completed 275 catches.