Star West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell found himself in the midst of a controversy when he did not feature in the West Indies squad for the New Zealand tour but turned up for Colombo Kings in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL).

Clearing the air in a chat with Jamaica-based TV network SportsMax, Andre Russell admitted that he had initially refused to tour New Zealand as he was struggling to get runs.

However, he reversed his decision later. But the chief selector Roger Harper said it was ‘too late’ since the squad was already chosen.

Explaining how he landed up in Sri Lanka for the LPL 2020 despite the hamstring injury he suffered during the IPL 2020, Andre Russell explained that he had initially turned down that offer too. But a call from Colombo Kings skipper Angelo Mathews made him change his mind.

“While in Dubai, I got an offer, but before I get this offer, I turned down the offer to come here (Sri Lanka) because I said I can’t come because I got injured. “While I was in Dubai, playing the UKC [Ultimate Kricket Challenge], then, Angelo Mathews messaged me. He said: ‘Bro, we need you to play, even as a batsman.’” the big-hitting batsman revealed.

Andre Russell travelled to Sri Lanka after working on his rehab with help from his personal physio as well as Knight Riders’ trainer.