Deandra Dottin, the West Indian all-rounder, announced her retirement from international cricket with immediate effect on Monday (August 1). The announcement came only a few hours after Barbados’s nine-wicket loss against Australia in the Commonwealth Games. In the contest, Dottin conceded 25 runs in the one over she bowled, after scoring a 22-ball 8.

In her retirement note, posted on Twitter, Dottin wrote, “There have been many obstacles during my cricket career that I have had to overcome, however, the current climate and team environment has been non-conductive (conducive) to my ability to thrive and reignite my passion.

She further went on to add, “With much sadness but without regret, I realize I am no longer able to adhere to team culture and team environment as it has undermined my ability to perform excellently.”

The 31-year-old, who has played 146 ODIs and 126 T20Is, since making her debut in 2008, was one of the most destructive players at her best – with both bat and ball – in the women’s game.

In a career plagued with injuries, her bowling was often restricted, yet she returned 72 and 62 wickets in ODIs and T20Is respectively. As a batter, she amassed 3727 and 2697 runs respectively.

The full retirement note read, “Please accept this letter as my formal retirement from senior women’s West Indies team effective 1st July (August) 2022. This announcement has come with much contemplation as cricket has always been a passion of mine. However, when the passion burns out, one has to take time to reassess their commitment. There have been many obstacles during my cricket career that I have had to overcome, however, the current climate and team environment has been non-conductive (conducive) to my ability to thrive and reignite my passion.

“I am appreciate (appreciative) of the opportunities afforded to me and I have ruminated on my decision over a period of time. Playing for the West Indies and representing the region has been an honour. During my 14 years of playing, I have trained at my best and grown as a player physically, mentally and emotionally. It is the combination of this growth that has assisted me in reflecting on what is truly important to me. With much sadness but without regret, I realize I am no longer able to adhere to team culture and team environment as it has undermined my ability to perform excellently.”

It remains unclear if Dottin will be available for Barbados’s last match of the CWG group stage, against India, which will be a must-win encounter for both teams to qualify. However, she has stated that she will remain available to play domestic cricket around the world.