All-rounder Andre Russell has dismissed claims about his lack of commitment to West Indies cricket, and has again reiterated his desire to represent the Caribbean side in the limited overs format.

The 29-year-old was one of four Windies players, along with Darren Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine, who was criticised after opting out of selection for the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe starting next month.

However, Russell said he had explained to Cricket West Indies officials that having just spent a year away from the game serving an anti-doping whereabouts ban, it was important he first worked his way into match readiness.

In announcing the squad for the March 4-25 qualifiers, chief selector Courtney Browne seemed to take umbrage with the quartet’s decision not to stand for selection stating, “[they] indicated that they were unavailable to help us qualify as their priority was playing in the Pakistan Super League.”

Russell, one of the most sought after players in the international Twenty20 circuit, will turn out for Islamabad United in the PSL which bowls off today.

He will also feature for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League starting April, and praised the franchise’s input in his return to competitive cricket.

Taiwan National Day Celebration

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