Russell retires from IPL, named KKR 'power coach'

Big-hitting West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell on Sunday announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League, but will stay at Kolkata Knight Riders as a "power coach".

Russell a pace bowling all-rounder, was released as a player by Kolkata after a poor 2025 season and has decided not to enter the IPL auction on December 16.

The 37-year-old will continue to play in other global T20 tournaments such as the Caribbean Premier League.

"It's best to retire when fans ask: 'Why? You still have some more in you'," Russell said.

"I'll be back. I'm here to say I will be a part of the KKR support staff as the new 'power coach' in 2026.

"When I heard that name, 'power coach', I felt that describes Andre Russell the best, because the power that I possess when I bat, the energy that I show in the field with ball in hand, I can help in any department," he added.

Russell has played 140 matches since joining the IPL with Delhi in 2012. He moved to Kolkata in 2014 where he won two IPL titles.

South African veteran Faf du Plessis said he had also opted out of next year's IPL, deciding instead to play in the Pakistan Super League.

"India has a special place in my heart, and this certainly isn't goodbye -- you'll see me again," he said on social media.