Nicholas Pooran Shocks Fans with Sudden Retirement from International Cricket at 29

Nicholas Pooran's Unexpected Retirement Announcement

Port of Spain: In a surprising turn of events, Nicholas Pooran, the prominent West Indies cricketer, announced 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 follows his recent choice to withdraw from 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 2275 runs at an average of 26.14 and a strike rate of 136.39. In ODIs, he participated in 61 games, accumulating 1983 runs with 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.

The Trinidadian cricketer made his international debut in 2016 during a T20 match and never played Test cricket for his nation.

He reflected on the honor of representing the West Indies, saying, "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."

Recently, Pooran opted out of the T20I series against England after completing a full season with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.

His last appearance for the West Indies was against Bangladesh in December 2024, following the team's exit from the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers.

He expressed his gratitude to fans for their unwavering support, stating, "To the fans – thank you for your unwavering love. You lifted me in the tough moments and celebrated the good ones with unmatched passion."

Pooran reassured fans that while he is closing this chapter of his career, his passion for West Indies cricket remains strong. He wished the team success in the future.

A regular participant in franchise cricket, Pooran is anticipated to play in Major League Cricket (MLC) and The Hundred this summer, in addition to his commitments in the Caribbean Premier League and 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 remarkable strike rate of 196.25.

His retirement comes as a shock, especially with expectations for him to play a crucial role in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Cricket West Indies praised Pooran for his significant contributions to the sport, 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 acknowledged his impact on the team and wished him well in his future endeavors.