In a stunning move, dynamic West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 29, marking the end of a remarkable career. Pooran, who is West Indies’ most-capped player in T20Is and their leading run-scorer in the format, has left fans and players alike in disbelief.
This retirement will undoubtedly be a massive blow for a West Indies team aiming to regain its former glory in white-ball cricket, especially after their failure to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Pooran was at the peak of his T20 career, having set records with 170 sixes in the format last year. In the recently concluded IPL, he crossed the 500-run mark for the first time in a season and hit a remarkable 40 sixes – the most in the 2025 tournament.
Although Pooran had requested a break from Cricket West Indies, resulting in his absence from the ongoing tour to England and Ireland, his retirement still comes as a shock. Having made his T20I debut in 2016 and his ODI debut in 2019, Pooran has never played Test cricket for the West Indies. He had been absent from ODI cricket since the West Indies failed to secure a spot in the 2023 World Cup.
Pooran also had a short stint as the captain of the West Indies’ limited-overs team, taking charge in 2022. However, his leadership didn’t bring the desired success, with the team winning only 8 out of 30 matches. His decision to step down from captaincy following the West Indies’ first-round exit from the 2022 T20 World Cup further marked the end of an era for him as a leader.
In his heartfelt Instagram statement, Pooran reflected on his journey with West Indies 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. 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) responded with a statement acknowledging Pooran’s incredible impact: “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.”
Pooran’s retirement creates a significant gap in the West Indies’ middle order with only eight months left until the next T20 World Cup. His departure marks the end of an era for the Caribbean side, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill.
