Former West Indies T20 captain Rovman Powell has spoken publicly for the first time since being removed from his leadership role, describing his tenure as an “honour” and expressing pride in his accomplishments. Powell, who served as captain for 22 months, was replaced by Shai Hope in a decision announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) earlier this week.

In an Instagram post, the 31-year-old Jamaican reflected on his time at the helm, highlighting the progress made under his leadership. “West Indies cricket is of great importance to not just myself but the people of the Caribbean. Leading West Indies was an honour and something I will forever be proud of,” Powell wrote. He noted that during his captaincy, the team climbed from ninth to third in the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 rankings, a significant achievement for the regional side.

Powell also extended gratitude to CWI for the opportunity and thanked his teammates and fans for their unwavering support. “To the players, a special thank you for the support from the very first day to the last day as your captain. During the duration of my captaincy, we have made incredible strides… something we can be tremendously proud of,” he added.

The decision to replace Powell has sparked criticism, with former West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo calling it “one of the worst decisions ever.” Bravo took to social media to condemn CWI’s move, pointing out Powell’s success in revitalizing the team and leading them to key victories against major cricketing nations like India, South Africa, and England. Bravo questioned the board’s treatment of players and called for greater fairness in decision-making.

CWI defended its decision, stating that it was part of a broader strategy to transition leadership under new head coach Daren Sammy. Shai Hope, who has been successful as the One-Day International captain, was praised for his analytical approach and calm demeanor under pressure.

Despite his removal, Powell remains optimistic about West Indies cricket’s future and proud of his contributions during a transformative period for the team. As Hope takes over the reins, fans will be watching closely to see how this leadership change impacts the team’s performance on the global stage.