Pooran announces shock international retirement at 29

In a surprising move, Nicholas Pooran, one of the brightest stars in West Indies cricket, has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of just 29. The dynamic left-handed batter leaves the game as West Indies’ most-capped T20I player and their leading run-scorer in the shortest format.

A Major Blow to West Indies Cricket

Pooran’s decision comes at a time when West Indies cricket is undergoing a rebuilding phase, particularly in white-ball formats. The team has already endured setbacks, including failing to qualify for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup.

Pooran’s T20 Dominance and Recent IPL Brilliance

Despite stepping away from international duties, Pooran is currently in peak form, especially in T20 cricket. In 2023, he smashed a staggering 170 sixes across T20s, the highest for any player in the format that year.

During the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, he crossed the 500-run mark for the first time in a single edition and blasted 40 sixes, topping the six-hitting charts for the tournament.

International Career: A Journey of Highs and Lows

Pooran made his T20I debut for West Indies in September 2016, followed by his ODI debut in February 2019. Interestingly, he never represented the West Indies in Test cricket. After the team’s failure to qualify for the 2023 World Cup, he hasn’t played an ODI since.

In 2022, Pooran took on the role of West Indies’ limited-overs captain. However, his leadership tenure was short-lived. Out of 30 matches across ODIs and T20Is, the team managed to win only eight. Following the team’s disappointing first-round exit in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, Pooran stepped down from captaincy duties.

Left Out of England-Ireland Tour Before Announcement

Pooran was not selected for the ongoing West Indies tour to England and Ireland, after he reportedly requested a break from international cricket. This absence sparked speculation, which was confirmed with his official retirement announcement.

Pooran’s Emotional Farewell Statement

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Pooran expressed deep gratitude for his journey with the West Indies.

“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.”

He added:

“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 Responds

Following his announcement, Cricket West Indies (CWI) released an official statement, acknowledging Pooran’s contributions:

“Nicholas officially informed the leadership of his decision to retire from international cricket, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his career.”

“A world-class player and a game changer, Nicholas leaves the game as the most capped West Indian in T20 Internationals with 106 matches and the leading T20I run scorer with 2,275 runs. His performances on the field and influence within the team have made a lasting impact on West Indies cricket.”

A Star Who Will Be Missed

Pooran’s aggressive batting style, particularly his ability to clear boundaries with ease, made him one of the most entertaining players in modern-day cricket. His retirement marks the end of a short but impactful international journey, leaving fans and cricket experts alike wondering what could have been if he had continued in the maroon jersey.

Though his international career has come to an end, Pooran is expected to continue featuring in franchise leagues around the world, where his explosive batting remains in high demand.

Looking Ahead: Who Will Fill the Void?

With Pooran stepping away, West Indies will need to rethink their middle-order composition, particularly for T20s. The selectors now face the challenge of grooming new talents who can bring stability and firepower to the lineup. Young batters like Brandon King, Rovman Powell, and Sherfane Rutherford may have to step up and take on more responsibility moving forward.

Final Thoughts

Nicholas Pooran’s decision to retire at just 29 may come as a surprise to many, but his contribution to West Indies cricket is undeniable. His legacy as a T20 stalwart, record-holder, and former captain will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers from the Caribbean.