West Indies’ Star Player Nicholas Pooran Bids Farewell To International Cricket
Kingston: In a surprising announcement, West Indies’ star batsman Nicholas Pooran, aged 29, has retired from international cricket. Having represented West Indies in ODIs and T20Is, Pooran has now decided to focus solely on his career in global T20 leagues.
Highlights of Pooran’s International Career
ODIs: 61 matches, 1,983 runs
T20Is: 106 matches, 2,275 runs – the highest for West Indies
Most T20I appearances by any West Indian batsman
2024: Set a record for most sixes (170) in a calendar year
IPL 2025 Performance:
In the recent IPL season, playing for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Pooran was the second-highest run-scorer for the team with 524 runs in 14 matches, only behind Mitchell Marsh (627 runs).
No Role in Test Cricket
Pooran never played a Test match. Like many modern Caribbean players, he focused only on white-ball cricket. He briefly captained West Indies in both ODIs and T20Is.
Shocking Move for Caribbean Cricket Board:
Pooran was expected to be a key part of West Indies’ planning for the 2026 T20 World Cup, but his sudden retirement has disrupted those plans. His absence in the recent T20I series against England had already raised eyebrows.
Focus on T20 Leagues
Pooran will continue playing in franchise tournaments such as the IPL, Major League Cricket (USA), The Hundred (England), ILT20 (UAE), and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Fans Surprised
In November last year, during his 100th T20I, Pooran had said he could play another 100 matches. However, this unexpected retirement has left fans surprised and emotional.
Pooran’s Debut and Legacy
He made his West Indies debut in 2016 against Pakistan in the UAE. 2024 turned out to be his best year statistically, especially in terms of six-hitting, with a record 170 sixes in a single year.
Thanked fans, friends and family
Pooran has thanked his fans for their support and will now look to continue entertaining in the shortest format across the globe in league tournaments.
“After much thought and reflection, I have 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,” Pooran wrote in his statement on Instagram. “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.
“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.”
Cricket West Indies (CWI) said in a statement: “Nicholas officially informed the leadership of his decision to retire from international cricket, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his career.”