Nicholas Pooran Announces Retirement from International Cricket at 29
Nicholas Pooran's Surprising Retirement Announcement
On Tuesday, Nicholas Pooran, the prominent West Indies cricketer, made the unexpected announcement of his retirement from international cricket at just 29 years old. He did not provide specific reasons for his decision but emphasized that it was made after considerable contemplation.
This announcement followed his recent choice to withdraw from selection for the T20I series against England.
Pooran holds the record as the most capped T20I player for the West Indies, having played 106 matches and scoring 2,275 runs with an average of 26.14 and a strike rate of 136.39. In his 61 ODI appearances, he accumulated 1,983 runs at an average of 39.66 and a strike rate of 99.15.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Pooran stated, "After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided to announce my retirement from international cricket." He expressed gratitude for the joy and unforgettable memories the sport has provided him, highlighting his pride in representing the West Indies.
Pooran, who made his international debut in 2016 in a T20 match, never participated in Test cricket.
He reflected on the honor of wearing the maroon jersey and leading the team, saying, "It’s hard to put into words what that truly means to me."
Recently, he opted out of the T20I series against England after completing a full season in the Indian Premier League with the Lucknow Super Giants.
His last appearance for the West Indies was against Bangladesh in December 2024, following the team's exit from the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers.
In his farewell message, Pooran thanked fans for their unwavering support, stating, "You lifted me in the tough moments and celebrated the good ones with unmatched passion." He also expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and teammates for their support throughout his journey.
Despite closing this chapter of his international career, Pooran affirmed that his passion for West Indies cricket remains strong. He wished the team success in the future.
A regular participant in franchise leagues, Pooran is set to play in Major League Cricket (MLC) and The Hundred this summer, in addition to his commitments in the Caribbean Premier League and the ILT20 in the UAE.
In 2024, he had an impressive season, hitting a record 170 sixes in a calendar year and finishing IPL 2025 with 524 runs at a strike rate of 196.25, including five half-centuries.
Pooran was anticipated to play a crucial role in the West Indies' plans for the upcoming T20 World Cup before his surprising retirement announcement.
Cricket West Indies praised Pooran for his significant contributions to Caribbean cricket, stating, "Nicholas officially informed the leadership of his decision to retire from international cricket, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his career." They recognized him as a world-class player whose influence and performances have left a lasting impact on West Indies cricket.