West Indies vice-captain Anisa Mohammed has decided to take a six-month break from international cricket due to a hectic schedule.
Her decision was confirmed by the West Indies Cricket Board in a statement. Mohammed has represented West Indies in 141 ODIs and 117 T20Is, picking up 180 and 125 wickets respectively. Mohammed plans to take a six-month break and return to international cricket in March 2023.
She last played for West Indies in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 semi-final against Australia in March this year.
Mohammed said in a statement, “Cricket has given me all that I have, and I still love it as much as the first day I started playing, therefore this decision was not an easy one for me, especially with the T20 World Cup five months away. However, I must listen to my body and my mind that I need to take time away from the game at this time.
“This is not a permanent goodbye but rather a see you soon. I wish the team all the best in all their forthcoming series, and I know Hayley will fulfil her role as captain, as I’ve seen her mature and grow as a person and cricketer.”
CWI Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, lauding Mohammed said, “Anisa has been a true stalwart of West Indies Women’s cricket for over a decade. We at CWI wish her well and will provide any support she may require during this period away from international cricket and look forward to welcoming her back in March.”
Mohammed made her debut for the West Indies at the age of 13 at the Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Holland in 2003. She established herself as the premier spin bowler for the West Indies Women, going on to become the first cricketer, male or female, to take 100 T20I wickets and ultimately the leading wicket-taker in the format with 125 scalps.
