Big-hitter Nicholas Pooran, one of the most exciting players to emerge from the West Indies in recent years, has declared his retirement from international cricket
Nicholas Pooran’s Shock Retirement has rocked the cricket world, with the 29-year-old West Indies wicketkeeper-batter stepping away from international cricket.
Given his impressive West Indies Cricket performances in Pooran’s White-Ball Form, Pooran’s decision to leave the international scene astounded both players and fans, despite his prowess in white-ball formats. There is a gap in the Caribbean lineup due to his abrupt career exit.
Following Pooran’s notification to Cricket West Indies of his inability to play in the current Twenty20 International series against England, the decision was made. Following the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, he took a vacation.
“To the Cricket Public: After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided to announce my retirement from International Cricket,” Pooran wrote in his statement on Instagram.
“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.”
“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.”
Pooran will still play franchise T20 cricket worldwide, though.
My passion for West Indies cricket will endure even after this international phase of my career comes to an end. “I hope the team and the area have a prosperous future,” Pooran continued.
Numbers From Pooran’s International Cricket Career
In 2016, Pooran played his first Twenty20 International match against Pakistan. On December 19, 2024, he played his final Twenty20 International match at home against Bangladesh. As the top run scorer in T20Is for the West Indies, Pooran retires.
From 106 Twenty20 Internationals, he has amassed 2,275 runs at an average of 26.14, including 13 half-centuries. He currently holds the fifth-highest number of sixes hit by a batter in T20Is with 149.
In his 61 ODI appearances, Pooran amassed 1,983 runs at an average of 39.66, including three hundreds and eleven half-centuries.
