Almost two years after announcing her surprise retirement from international competition while leading Barbados in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Deandra Dottin has returned to the field and is once again available for selection by the West Indies.
Ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October of this year, the development is encouraging for the West Indies.
Dottin, 33, sent a letter to Cricket West Indies (CWI) that was included in the board’s announcement, saying, “Representing West Indies in international cricket has always been a matter of great pride and passion for me.” “I am happy to tell you that, with immediate effect, I am eager to return to the game that I love and give my all to the West Indies women’s team in all formats after a period of reflection and thoughtful discussion with various parties within Cricket West Indies, including President Dr. Kishore Shallow.
“I’m convinced that my maturity, experience, and abilities will benefit the squad as they have in the past, and I’m ready to give it my all in every practice and game to guarantee the team’s successful trajectory in international cricket. In addition, I am excited to coach upcoming players and support the growth of women’s cricket in our area as a whole.”
CWI applauded Dottin choice. Director of cricket at CWI Miles Bascombe stated of Deandra, “She is a player of immense ability and experience.” “We are happy that she has chosen to play cricket again for her country and be available for selection. She could undoubtedly bring a great deal of value to the West Indies women’s teams.”
Following her announcement of retirement in August 2022, Dottin played 127 T20Is (2697 runs) and 143 ODIs (3727 runs at an average of 30.54), claiming a “non-conducive” climate inside the West Indies setup. She achieved the quickest century in women’s T20Is at the 2010 T20 World Cup against South Africa, needing just 38 balls to reach the century mark. She also has 62 T20I wickets and 72 ODI wickets.
Regarding her decision to retire, Dottin stated in August 2022, “It has a lot to do with the board, how they handle stuff and how they handle players and how they actually speak to players.”
“There will be a lot of work to be done for West Indies Cricket, and I believe it has to be done as quickly as possible because things won’t end well for West Indies Cricket or cricket in the Caribbean. Some individuals take things differently.
After retiring, Dottin participated in the T20 league circuit, although she hasn’t participated in competition since September 2023.
Prior to a camp in the West Indies in August, which is part of the preparation for the T20 World Cup, she will captain the Trinbago Knight Riders squad in the forthcoming women’s Caribbean Premier League.
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