'I've been left in a very dark place': West Indies batter Darren Bravo says he is stepping away from cricket

West Indies batter Darren Bravo has announced that he would briefly step away from cricket, following his omission from team’s ODI squad for the series against England.

Bravo, 34, last played an ODI for West Indies in February 2022 against India in Ahmedabad.

“I’ve taken some time to ponder and wonder what’s my next step moving forward as a cricketer,” Bravo posted in a message on Instagram.

“At this point in my career it’s not easy or should I say it takes a lot to continue to find the energy, the passion, commitment and discipline to be able to perform to the best of my ability and put myself in a position to make my return to international cricket,” he added.

Let alone the West Indies team, Bravo has also been overlooked in the West Indies Academy team to face Ireland Academy as well as the West Indies ‘A’ squad for the South Africa tour, where they will play three unofficial Tests.

Bravo said that he was left in a “dark place” after no communication. “Without any level communication I’ve been left in a very dark place,” continued Bravo.

Without any level communication, I’ve been left in a very dark place,” he further wrote. “At the moment there’s three teams representing the region in multiple formats/series. That’s approximately 40-45 players and if I can’t be in any of these teams after competing in our regional tournaments and scoring runs, therefore they are basically telling me that the writing is on the wall.

“I’m not giving up but I believe it’s best to step away just for a bit and maybe make some room for a young and upcoming talent. I will end by wishing each and everyone [sic] all the very best. “I’ve lived my dream”, said Bravo.

Bravo has played 56 Tests, 122 ODIs and 26 T20Is, having scored 7,052 runs across all three formats.

West Indies chief selector Desmond Haynes has defended Bravo’s exclusion from the squad, stating that the Windies were looking to give opportunities to younger talents like Alick Athanaze and Keacy Carty. However, Dwayne, Darren’s elder brother, has slammed the selectors, claiming that the selectors had mistreated and disrespected the players.

“I usually stay away from these discussions, but the mistreatment, disrespect, and dishonesty towards players over the years demand a voice. When will it stop?,” Dwayne said in a post on Instagram.

England begin their tour of West Indies with the first ODI on 3 December in Antigua. England will play three ODIs and five T20Is in the Caribbean.