By Rajiv Bisnauth

AFTER almost 22 years of international cricket, Shivnarine Chanderpaul on Friday evening decided to call time on his illustrious career, as he leaves a legacy for young cricketers in Guyana to emulate.The 41 year old, made his debut against England in 1994, and amassed more than 20,000 runs in the three forms of the game.
His final game was against England in Barbados in May last year, and he was dropped for the following Test series against Australia, with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) wanting to give younger players a chance.
He let the WICB know via email on Friday that he is no longer available for selection.
The left-hander, known for his unorthodox and ungainly style, has been a mainstay of the West Indies side for the past 22 years, making 164 Test appearances and is seventh in the all-time Test run-scorers list with 11,867, 86 runs short of former teammate Brian Lara.
He scored 30 Test centuries at an average of 51.37 and also picked up nine wickets. In his fourth test, Chanderpaul found himself at the other end when Brian Lara passed Garry Sobers’s long-standing world record score of 365 on his way to 375 against England.
Lara’s feat overshadowed the fact that Chanderpaul had hit four half-centuries in his first six test innings.
Chanderpaul, who has had stints in England with Derbyshire, Durham, Lancashire and Warwickshire, also hit 11 one-day international hundreds in 268 matches.
Tributes poured in from past, present and cricket administrators, complimenting the batting legend for giving fans many, many cheerful moments.
Roger Harper said Chanderpaul had a long and successful career.
“He was one of the West Indies successful and reliable batsmen. He paid humane service to West Indies cricket, and I want to wish his well,” Harper, the former West Indies Vice-captain, said.
Ramnaresh Sarwan, former West Indies captain, said Chanderpaul was definitely a great servant of West Indies cricket.
“I think his contribution is precious, and he was a fantastic role model for all cricketers with his demeanour, on and off the field.
Asked about his most memorable Chanderpaul moment, Sarwan said, “There are many, but obviously the 63-ball hundred against Australia at Bourda was just fantastic.”
Sarwan said Chanderpaul earned the respect of the cricketing world and I want to congratulate him on a great career.
Mark Harper said he was convinced that Chanderpaul would achieve greatness when he first saw him bat., adding that his dedication to the game made him a very outstanding servant of West Indies cricket.
“He has always been a shining light in West Indies cricket, and we owe him for his contribution, but all good things must come to an end, but having said that, Shiv made us proud,” Harper, a former national player, disclosed.
West Indies opening batsman, Rajendra Chandrika said Chanderpaul has been a perfect role-model without any hint of controversy.
“He is a great sportsman,” Chandrika said.
President of the East Coast Cricket Board, Bissoondyal Singh, said Chanderpaul has exited the international stage with class and elegance, setting the standard of an international cricketer at the very pinnacle.
“His illustrious career has brought happiness and excitement to millions across the globe and his departure will definitely be missed, as Shiv’s masterful and artistic batting display will certainly tint the memories of countless indelibly. His experience, knowledge, dedication, commitment and presence will be sorely missed,” Singh said.
Chanderpaul captained the West Indies in 14 Tests and 16 ODIs.
Chanderpaul is only the second modern-day player, after Sachin Tendulkar, whose career stretched over two decades. He might not have been as celebrated and revered as Tendulkar, but Chanderpaul had worked hard, quietly, to become one of the strongest pillars of West Indies cricket.