Tags: West Indies,
Nicholas Pooran
Published on: Jun 10, 2025
In a development that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, West Indies batting star Nicholas Pooran has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 29. The timing of his decision comes as a surprise to many, especially given his current form and status as a T20 powerhouse.
A Sudden Exit at His Prime
Pooran’s retirement comes at a time when he’s arguably playing the best cricket of his life. In the 2024 IPL season, he crossed the 500-run mark for the first time in a single edition and smashed 40 sixes, the most by any player in the tournament. He also led the T20 sixes chart globally in 2023, hitting a staggering 170 sixes in a calendar year.
Despite being omitted from the current West Indies tour of England and Ireland due to a personal request for a break, there was every expectation that he would return soon to bolster the side in the lead-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. That hope has now ended abruptly with his retirement announcement.
A Record-Breaking Career
Nicholas Pooran leaves behind an impressive record in T20 Internationals:
Most-capped West Indies player in T20Is (106 matches)
Highest run-scorer for West Indies in T20Is (2,275 runs)
He debuted in T20Is in 2016 and played his first ODI in 2019. However, his ODI career stalled after West Indies failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup — a moment that visibly disheartened many senior players.
Pooran also briefly captained the national side in limited-overs formats in 2022, overseeing a turbulent phase that saw West Indies exit early from the T20 World Cup in Australia. He stepped down from captaincy after that disappointing campaign, winning just 8 out of 30 matches as skipper.
An Emotional Farewell
Pooran took to Instagram to confirm his retirement in a heartfelt note:
“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.
Though this international chapter of my career closes, my love for West Indies cricket will never fade.”
CWI’s Tribute
Cricket West Indies (CWI) paid tribute to Pooran’s contribution to Caribbean cricket in an official statement:
“A world-class player and a game changer, Nicholas leaves the game as the most capped West Indian in T20 Internationals and the leading T20I run scorer. His performances on the field and influence within the team have made a lasting impact on West Indies cricket.”
What Lies Ahead
While Pooran has stepped away from the international stage, he remains a hot commodity in franchise cricket. With stellar performances in the IPL and global leagues, he is likely to continue dominating T20 circuits around the world.
However, for West Indies cricket, his departure marks the end of an era and leaves a gaping hole in the middle order — one that will be challenging to fill with the 2026 T20 World Cup fast approaching.
Conclusion
Nicholas Pooran’s retirement is more than just the loss of a star batter; it’s the end of a passionate international career that inspired many. His talent, flair, and charisma will be missed in maroon, but his legacy in West Indies cricket is secure.
