The top seed in the list of highest wickets in T20I’s, Anisa Mohammed has been granted full support by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on her request for a 6 months break away from cricket following a hectic schedule.
Anisa’s most recent appearances were during the inaugural edition of The 6ixty which shortly was followed by the ongoing inaugural edition of Women’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL). In both the competition’s, playing for Trinbago Knight Riders’ she’s been delivering well.
Jimmy Adams, Director of CWI 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.”
Anisa Mohammed in her statement clarified enough by stating, “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.”
The 33-year-old is the highest wicket-taker in the shortest format with 125 to her name but hasn’t played a T20I since the sides series at home against South Africa in September 2021. She’s played 14 ODI’s in the past year, and the last of them was early this year in March during the World Cup before where she in the semi-final against Australia in Hamilton injured her hamstring while fielding and then was driven off the field.
West Indies have got their home series against New Zealand coming up and with Anisa’s absence, they’ve got to rope in a spinner and also appoint a vice-captain. The series will see newly appointed full-time skipper, Hayley Matthews on her first assignment in Windies colours. Recently, she led the West Indies representing, Barbados, in the Commonwealth Games.
West Indies series against the White Ferns will see them play 3 ODI and 5 T20I games from the 16th of September to the 6th of October in Antigua. All the games on the schedule are scheduled to be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.