West Indies batting legend Brian Lara says he was not pushed out the West Indies team at the end of last year's Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean.

Speaking at a function held by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board in his honour, Lara said he opted to retire in order to make way for younger players.

"I was not pushed out the West Indies team but in fact I left on my own volition," said the 38-year old Lara.

"I enjoyed playing the game but I thought at that point to give the youngsters a chance and to also allow them to play under a younger captain."

Attending the function were President of Trinidad and Tobago, George Maxwell Richards, West Indies icons Clive Lloyd, Sir Garfield Sobers, Michael 'Joey' Carew, Deryck Murray, cricket historian and principal of the UWI Cave Hill campus Professor Hillary Beckles and executive members of the TTCB.

In reflecting on his 17-year career, Lara revealed that his lowest moment was the 1998 tour of South Africa.

"The financial issue heading to South Africa with the WICB and the players not budging was the lowest moment," Lara said.

"We were in an English hotel and could not move because we were hounded by the British media. I remember one English newspaper writing that we were washing our dirty laundry in public and I regret this moment the worst. Looking back on it I think the whole matter could have been handled differently."

He said, however, the highest moment in his career was the Australian tour of the West Indies in 1998, when he was appointed captain.

"We lost the first Test and headed to Jamaica where the atmosphere was very hostile. But I had it deep in me that I had to do something special and if we were to lose I was going down with a fight," Lara recalled.

"The batting in that team was not good, we had Sherwin Campbell, Suruj Ragoonath, Lincoln Roberts and Dave Joseph and I was looking to save the follow on.

"The next day the Australians were using the nets and I asked Steve Waugh to allow us to bat and he said that they needed the practice because they would be batting later [that day].

"If you don't know, the nets in Jamaica are on the field and I told Steve to keep the nets and we proceeded to bat the entire second day. Under the circumstances I really think that my 213 against Australia was the best innings I have played."

Lara, the world record holder for the highest Test and first class scores and the most career runs in Tests, thanked Sir Garry for his undying support and guidance throughout his career.

"Sir Garry's love and undying support throughout those tumultuous times never wavered and I knew it came from the heart," Lara said.

"I know I have disappointed you on many occasions but the support helped, thanks for everything."