BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, West Indies’ dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 29. The decision, confirmed via an emotional Instagram post, comes as a shock given his prime age and significant role in the West Indies white-ball setup.
A Difficult Decision: Pooran’s Emotional Farewell
Pooran described his decision as “very difficult” and one he had “thought long and hard” about. In his social media statement, he expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to represent 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 also highlighted the privilege of having led the team as captain.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Pooran’s international career, which began in 2016, was marked by both explosive performances and a few challenging moments. He emerged as a formidable force in white-ball cricket, especially in T20 Internationals, where he holds the record for most runs (2,275) and appearances (106) for the West Indies. He also played 61 ODIs, scoring three centuries and representing the West Indies in the 2019 World Cup.
Despite a brief suspension in 2019 for ball-tampering, Pooran bounced back to captain the team, notably leading them to a 4-1 series victory over Australia. He was later appointed permanent white-ball captain in 2022 but stepped down after a disappointing T20 World Cup exit. His highest T20I score of 98 came against Afghanistan in the recently concluded T20 World Cup.
The Allure of Franchise Cricket and a Shifting Landscape
While Pooran did not explicitly state his reasons beyond personal reflection, his retirement at a relatively young age underscores a growing trend in international cricket where players prioritize lucrative global T20 leagues over national duties. Pooran has been a highly sought-after player in T20 leagues worldwide, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), Major League Cricket (MLC), and The Hundred. His impressive performances in the IPL, particularly in the 2024 and 2025 seasons where he amassed significant runs at high strike rates, further highlight his value in the franchise circuit.
It’s also worth noting that Pooran was not awarded a central contract by Cricket West Indies in 2024, a factor that may have contributed to his decision.
Cricket West Indies’ Response and Future Implications
Cricket West Indies extended “sincere gratitude and appreciation” to Pooran for his “outstanding contributions,” hailing him as a “game-changer.” His retirement leaves a significant void in the West Indies white-ball teams, especially in the T20 format where his power-hitting and experience were invaluable.
While Pooran has closed this chapter of his career, he affirmed his continued love and support for West Indies cricket, stating that his connection to Caribbean cricket will never fade. His decision sparks further debate about the future of international cricket amidst the rising prominence and financial incentives of franchise leagues.
