CWI salutes retiring Windies Women’s cricketers for their dedication and skill

Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced on Thursday that four stalwarts of West Indies Women's cricket, Anisa Mohammed, Shakera Selman, Kycia Knight, and Kyshona Knight, have officially retired from international cricket.

These accomplished cricketers, who collectively represented the West Indies for the past decade, played pivotal roles in securing the 2016 ICC Women's Twenty20 Cricket World Cup in India.

CWI showered praise on these talented athletes, acknowledging their dedication, exceptional skills, and sportsmanship. Miles Bascombe, CWI's director of cricket, lauded the quartet, stating, "Anisa, Shakera, Kycia, and Kyshona have all made significant individual impacts on women's cricket, West Indies, and the world. Their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship have not only elevated our team but also captivated cricket fans worldwide."

Victory of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in 2016

He went on to highlight their role in the historic victory of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in 2016, emphasizing that their legacies and individual milestones will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers aspiring to represent the West Indies.

Anisa Mohammed, an off-spinner hailing from Trinidad & Tobago, leaves the international stage as the most successful bowler in One-day and Twenty20 Internationals for West Indies Women. She made her debut at the age of 15, 21 years ago, against Japan in an ICC Women's Cricket World Cup qualifier in the Netherlands.

Reflecting on her illustrious career, Mohammed expressed gratitude for the incredible journey, both the highs and lows, and acknowledged that it was time for her to step away and pave the way for the next generation.

A legacy that will be remembered and cherished

Shakera Selman, a pacer from Barbados, started her international career against Ireland Women in Dublin in 2008. Over her career, she played 100 ODIs, taking 82 wickets, and 96 T20Is, claiming 51 wickets.

Selman recently transitioned into a new role as the first Women's Cricket Officer for the Barbados Cricket Association, focusing on the development of junior and senior women's cricket on the island. She expressed pride in her 18-year cricket journey, playing alongside legends, and aimed to inspire and assist others in pursuing their dreams.

HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 21: Kycia Knight of the West Indies bats during the 2022 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match between West Indies and Pakistan at Seddon Park on March 21, 2022 in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Barbadian twins Kycia and Kyshona Knight, who will celebrate their 32nd birthday next month, made their international debuts in 2011 and 2013, respectively.

DERBY, ENGLAND - JULY 09: Kyshona Knight of West Indies plays a shot past Nipuni Hansika of Sri Lanka (L) and Prasadani Weerakkodi of Sri Lanka during the ICC Women's World Cup match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at The 3aaa County Ground on July 9, 2017 in Derby, England. (Photo by Dave Thompson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Kycia, a wicketkeeper-batsman, amassed 1,327 runs in 87 ODIs and 801 runs in 70 T20Is, while Kyshona, a left-handed batsman, contributed 851 runs in 51 ODIs and 546 runs in 55 T20Is.

In a joint statement, the twins expressed their gratitude to family, friends, teammates, and supporters for the unwavering love and support they received throughout their remarkable journey.

As these four exceptional athletes bid farewell to international cricket, they leave behind a legacy that will be remembered and cherished by cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Their contributions have played a significant role in shaping West Indies Women's cricket and inspiring future generations of cricketers.