Nicholas Pooran Announces Retirement from International Cricket at 29
Nicholas Pooran's Unexpected Retirement Shakes Cricket Community
On Tuesday, Nicholas Pooran, the former captain of the West Indies T20I team, made headlines by declaring his retirement from international cricket at just 29 years old. The explosive batsman, who recently showcased his talent in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Lucknow Super Giants, described this decision as a challenging one.
In his heartfelt announcement, Pooran stated, "To the cricket community, after considerable contemplation, I have chosen to retire from international cricket. This sport has provided immense joy, purpose, and unforgettable experiences, allowing me to represent the West Indies people."
His retirement comes shortly after he requested Cricket West Indies to exclude him from their current white-ball series in England. With the T20 World Cup 2026 set to take place in India and Sri Lanka in over eight months, Pooran's departure is a significant blow to the 2016 champions.
Fans React to Pooran's Sudden Retirement
Since making his international debut in 2016, Pooran has played in 106 T20Is and 61 ODIs, accumulating over 4,258 runs across both formats. In T20 cricket, he scored 2,275 runs with an average of 26.14 and a strike rate of 136.39. In ODIs, he amassed 1,983 runs at an average of 39.66, including three centuries and 11 fifties.
He expressed gratitude to his fans, saying, "Thank you for your unwavering support. You have lifted me during tough times and celebrated my successes with unmatched enthusiasm. To my family, friends, and teammates, I appreciate your companionship throughout this journey. Your belief in me has been invaluable."
Pooran's last appearance for the West Indies was against Bangladesh in Kingstown, where the team faced a disappointing 80-run defeat.
He concluded his message with a heartfelt note, stating, "While this chapter of my international career ends, my passion for West Indies cricket will endure. I wish the team and the region all the best for the future. With all my heart, Nicky P."