Nicholas Pooran Retires from International Cricket at 29, Reflects on His Journey
Nicholas Pooran Announces Retirement
On June 10, Nicholas Pooran, the prominent West Indies cricketer, revealed his retirement from international cricket at the young age of 29. Although he did not specify the reasons for this significant decision, many speculate that he may be looking to focus more on league cricket opportunities.
In the West Indies, it is common for players to prioritize league commitments over national representation. Pooran recently concluded his stint in the Indian Premier League, where he played for the Lucknow Super Giants, amassing 524 runs in 14 matches at an impressive strike rate of nearly 200. His performance earned him a hefty sum of INR 21 crores for the season.
Despite the allure of league cricket, there are other factors that may have influenced his decision, especially with the T20 World Cup just eight months away. Pooran had previously requested a leave of absence from the recent white-ball series against England, and his retirement announcement followed shortly after. Additionally, he was notably absent from the central contract list released by Cricket West Indies for 2024, which included multi-year deals for several leading players.
A Heartfelt Farewell to Fans
Pooran shared his retirement news through a touching post on Instagram, expressing gratitude to the sport and his supporters. He wrote:
"After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided to announce my retirement from International Cricket. This game we love has given and will continue to give so much – joy, purpose, unforgettable memories, and a chance to represent the people of the West Indies. Wearing that maroon, standing for the anthem, and giving everything I had each time I stepped on the field… it’s hard to put into words what that truly means to me. To have led the team as captain is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart. To the fans – thank you for your unwavering love. You lifted me in the tough moments and celebrated the good ones with unmatched passion. To my family, friends, and teammates – thank you for walking this journey with me. Your belief and support carried me through it all. Though this International chapter of my career closes, my love for West Indies Cricket will never fade. I wish the team and the region nothing but success and strength for the road ahead."
Pooran made his international debut in 2016 and played his final match in July 2023, which was an ODI. Throughout his career, he scored 1,983 runs in ODIs and 2,275 runs in T20Is for the West Indies.