Nicholas Pooran calls time on his international career at 29
In a surprising turn of events, West Indies cricketer Nicholas Pooran announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of just 29. The explosive left-handed batter and wicketkeeper made the announcement via a heartfelt social media post in the early hours of Tuesday, June 10, leaving fans and experts across the cricket world stunned. Pooran, known for his aggressive batting and game-changing performances in white-ball formats, had been a crucial part of the West Indies limited-overs setup for several years. He had also captained the side during a transitional phase, offering stability and flair with the bat. However, despite his immense talent, Pooran often faced criticism over consistency and leadership during challenging times for the team.
Nicholas Pooran announces retirement from international cricket
In his post, Pooran reflected on his journey and expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches, and fans who supported him throughout his international career. He also hinted at wanting to explore new opportunities while continuing to contribute to the sport in other capacities, possibly through domestic leagues and T20 franchises around the world.
Nicholas Pooran has officially called time on his international cricket career after representing the West Indies in 61 T20 Internationals and 106 One Day Internationals. Over the course of his career, Pooran amassed 1,983 runs in T20Is and 2,275 runs in ODIs, showcasing his explosive talent and consistency in both formats. Remarkably, the Trinidad-born cricketer retires as the leading run-scorer for the West Indies in the shortest format of the game — a testament to his impact and value as a top-order batter.
Pooran’s retirement comes shortly after his stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025), where he featured for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He delivered several impactful performances during the season, underlining that he still has plenty to offer in franchise cricket. However, in his announcement, the 29-year-old emphasized that the decision to step away from international cricket was not an easy one.
He described leading the West Indies as an honour and a privilege, expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to captain a side he has admired since childhood. Pooran’s exit leaves a noticeable void in the Caribbean side and signals a broader shift as many players now prioritize franchise leagues over the demands of international schedules.
“To the cricket public: After much thought and reflection, I've 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. 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," West Indies cricketer Nicholas Pooran wrote on Instagram.
"To the fans – thank you for your unwavering love. You lifted me in the tough moments and celebrated the good ones with unmatched passion. To my family, friends, and teammates, thank you for walking this journey with me. Your belief and support carried me through it all. 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," he concluded.
Nicholas Pooran’s announcement to retire from international cricket comes just days after he had requested Cricket West Indies to not include him in the squad for the upcoming white-ball series against England in the United Kingdom. At the time, the explosive left-hander had cited the need for rest and personal recovery, indicating his intention to take a break from the international grind. His request raised a few eyebrows, especially given his continued participation in high-profile franchise leagues across the world, including the Indian Premier League. However, many believed it was a temporary step back for physical and mental rejuvenation.
